ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Contempt of Court: Internet

Matthew Offord: To ask the Attorney-General what steps he will be taking to prevent the necessity of contempt of court cases being brought as a result of the use of social media networks.

Edward Garnier: As guardians of the public interest, the Law Officers bring contempt of court proceedings when appropriate to do so. It is for the trial court judge to warn parties and the public not to publish prejudicial reports and, when appropriate, to impose reporting restrictions. Juries, in particular, are warned repeatedly by the court not to use the internet to research cases in which they are involved.

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Attorney-General on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

Edward Garnier: Where appropriate, the Law Officers facilitate requests with hon. Members from all political parties. The Law Officers have occasionally to decline a meeting where they are asked to intervene in an individual case or provide legal advice to Members. Records of such requests are not maintained by the Department and the information requested could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.

Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes

Jessica Morden: To ask the Attorney-General what steps he is taking to monitor the effects of spending reductions on specialist support services for sexual and violent crimes provided by the Law Officers' Departments.

Edward Garnier: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has no responsibility for funding such services. Funding for specialist support services (such as sexual assault referral centres, independent sexual violence advisors, independent domestic violence advisors and rape crisis centres as well as Victim Support), is provided by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice.
	The CPS does, however, value these services and will continue to work closely with the specialist support services to ensure that victims of sexual and violent crimes receive the best possible support.

Suicide Act 1961: Prosecutions

William Bain: To ask the Attorney-General what discussions he has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions on the operation of the public interest factors tending (a) in favour of and (b) against prosecution under the Suicide Act 1961.

Edward Garnier: The Attorney-General and I have not had any discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on these matters.
	The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) takes decisions on the public interest in cases of assisted suicide in accordance with the factors set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors (the Code) and the Policy for Prosecutors in respect of cases of Encouraging or Assisting Suicide, published on 25 February 2010.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Departmental Freedom of Information

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many requests under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the Government Equalities Office received from (a) hon. Members from each political party and (b) members of the public in each year since the Act's entry into force.

Lynne Featherstone: Since its creation in October 2007, Government Equalities Office records indicate it received requests under the Freedom of Information Act as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2007 0 
			 2008 10 
			 2009 67 
			 2010 110 
			 2011 (January-June) 35 
		
	
	Details of each requester can be located only by searching each individual case, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Finance

John McDonnell: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many contracts the Equality and Human Rights Commission has to procure consultancy support; how many staff are provided under each contract; and what the cost inclusive of VAT was of each contract in the last 12 months.

Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is an arm's length body; the following is based on information it has provided.
	The Commission procured the following six contracts to provide consultancy support over the last 12 months.
	
		
			  Contract value inclusive of VAT (£) 
			 Moorhouse Consulting Ltd 17,557.18 
			 ACAS Northern Region 2,004.00 
			 Cordis Bright Consultancy 10,910.40 
		
	
	
		
			 DWP 208.85 
			 Government's Actuary Department 3,600.00 
			 Veredus 19,087.97 
		
	
	No staff were provided under any of these contracts.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what recent discussions she has had with the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission on political balance in the composition of its board of commissioners; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: holding answer 27 June 2011
	The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Women and Equalities, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has not discussed this matter with the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. There is no statutory requirement to consider political balance in the appointment of EHRC Commissioners.
	The consultation on the future of the EHRC has recently closed and the Government will publish their response in due course.

Equality: Local Enterprise Partnerships

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities if she will place in the Library a copy of each item of correspondence between her and local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) on equality issues and LEP board nominations.

Lynne Featherstone: The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Women and Equalities, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), wrote to local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) in April this year, encouraging them to consider equalities when making board appointments. There were two separate letters, one to those LEPs that had already been given approval for their boards and one to those still forming boards at that time. Replies have been received from Coast to Capital, Cheshire and Warrington and Solent LEPs. Copies of all these have been placed in the Library.

PRIME MINISTER

Hu Jia

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the house arrest of environmental activist Hu Jia.

David Cameron: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave during the press conference with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on 27 June 2011. A transcript of the press conference is available on the No. 10 website:
	http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/2011/06/press-conference-with-premier-wen-jiabao-65285

Thameslink: Rolling Stock

John Denham: To ask the Prime Minister on what date he was informed of the outcome of the tender for the Thameslink rolling stock contract.

David Cameron: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Derby South (Margaret Beckett) on 6 July 2011, Official Report, column 1509.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Departmental Dismissal

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officials in his Department were dismissed for under-performance as a result of the procedures arising from his Department's staff appraisal system in each of the last three years.

Owen Paterson: Comparable figures for the Department as it is now configured are not available following the completion of devolution of policing and justice functions on 12 April 2010.
	Since April 2010, no members of staff have been dismissed for under-performance as a result of procedures arising from the Northern Ireland Office’s staff appraisal system.

Departmental Regulation

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many regulations 
	(1)  his Department has introduced (a) in the six months prior to 1 September 2010 and (b) in the six months after 1 September 2010 which it has determined do not impose costs on businesses;
	(2)  that impose costs on businesses his Department has (a) introduced and (b) removed since 1 September 2010; what the net effect on the costs on businesses of such introductions and removals was; and what regulations have been excluded from the one-in one-out system because they address (i) emergencies and (ii) systemic financial risks since 1 September 2010;
	(3)  that impose costs on businesses his Department (a) introduced and (b) removed in the six months prior to 1 September 2010; and what the net effect on the costs on businesses of such introductions and removals was.

Owen Paterson: My Department introduced two sets of regulations in the period from 1 March to 1 September 2010. Neither of these regulations imposed costs on businesses. No regulations have been made since 1 September 2010.
	The Northern Ireland Office has responsibilities chiefly in relation to constitutional, electoral and national security fields; they do not generally concern business regulation.

SCOTLAND

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not hold the information requested; however, the Secretary of State for Scotland, the right hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Michael Moore) and I are always happy to discuss matters of importance to Scotland with hon. Members of all political parties.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Verification Sampling

Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what steps the Electoral Commission plans to take to improve the consistency of verification sampling.

Gary Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that in future they will be moving towards monitoring and assessing the quality of returns from all local authorities across Great Britain, without solely relying on the verification of a sample of returns. The commission intends to consult on revised standards for returning officers and monitoring in advance of elections, with a view to adopting this strategy for elections to be held in May 2012.

WALES

Access to Work Programme

Anne McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many employees with disabilities in her Department are receiving support from the access to work programme; and what proportion of the work force of her Department this figure represents.

David Jones: None of our staff have applied formally for support from the access to work programme but some disabled employees are receiving access to work support which the Department funds. We are unable to set out the numbers as this could breach confidentiality in a Department of this size.

Capita

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many contracts her Department has awarded to Capita since May 2010; and what the (a) monetary value and (b) net worth was of each contract.

David Jones: None.

Electoral Systems

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  what plans she has to propose a meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee to discuss the electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales;
	(2)  what plans she has to consult about any new electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what discussions she has had with the Deputy Prime Minister about electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales;
	(4)  when she plans to meet the First Minister for Wales to discuss electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales;
	(5)  whether she has any plans to change the electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales.

Cheryl Gillan: I have discussed the electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales with the First Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.
	The Government will look carefully at the implications of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 for the Assembly's constituencies. Full discussions with political parties and other relevant organisations would be required to inform any proposals for change.
	We are hoping to hold a meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee in Wales later in the year, which would provide an opportunity for such constitutional issues to be raised.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of the (a) effects and (b) benefits that the High Speed 2 project will have on Wales;
	(2)  what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the benefits of High Speed 2 to Wales;
	(3)  what assessment she has made of the effects on rail infrastructure in Wales of High Speed 2;
	(4)  what meetings she has had on High Speed 2.

David Jones: Regular discussions with a range of interested parties, including Ministers in the Department for Transport, take place on issues that affect Wales, including rail infrastructure.
	The Government are currently consulting on a new national high-speed rail network. This is part of a wider programme of modernisation of the rail network, including electrification of the Great Western main line to Cardiff. The consultation will consider a range of issues including potential benefits for Wales.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), on 28 June 2011, Official Record, column 643W, to my hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom).

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Carbon Emissions

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make an assessment of the impact of the common agricultural policy on greenhouse gas emission abatement.

James Paice: Between now and the end of 2012, DEFRA will be reviewing the full range of policies and activities that have an impact on agricultural GHG emissions, including the common agricultural policy (CAP).
	The Government are committed to ensuring that we have a thriving and sustainable farming sector in the UK and we are seeking ambitious reform of the CAP from 2014. We continue to place a strong emphasis on the role that CAP should play in improving environmental outcomes, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department has received any advice from the Association of Chief Police Officers on a badger cull; and if she will publish any such advice.

James Paice: holding answer 6 July 2011
	The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) and DEFRA officials have received advice from the Association of Chief Police Officers. This advice has related to public order and safety, domestic extremism, wildlife crime and firearms licensing. As policy is still under development the advice will not be made publicly available at this stage.

Capita

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many contracts her Department has awarded to Capita since May 2010; and what the (a) individual monetary value and (b) net worth was of those contracts.

Richard Benyon: The following table identifies contracts with organisations that are part of the Capita group of companies and shows the monetary value of each contract. The expenditure on each contract is the same as the value.
	
		
			 Department/agency Supplier Number of c ontracts Contract value  (£) Detail 
			 Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Capita Resourcing Ltd 1 12,469.20 Services to assist selection of non-statutory members of inshore fisheries and conservation authorities 
			      
			 Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency Capita IB Solutions (UK) 2 65,000.00 Support of Integra accounting system 
			    29,821.00 Annual licence for software maintenance 
			      
			 Food and Environment Research Agency Veredus Capita 2 175,000,00 Interim services 
			    607.68 Resourcing Workshop 
			      
			 Rural Payment Agency  0   
			      
			 Veterinary Medicines Directorate  0   
			      
			 Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science  0

Dairy Farming

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dairy farms there were in (a) England and (b) Northamptonshire (i) in 2001 and (ii) in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Paice: holding answer 4 July 2011
	The number of dairy farms in England and Northamptonshire for 2001 and 2010 is shown in the following table. Also shown is the number of dairy cattle on dairy holdings for England and Northamptonshire, along with UK milk production and milk yields to put the figures into context.
	The long-term trend in dairy production is towards fewer, larger and more productive herds. The following table shows how the decline in the number of dairy cows has been offset by an increase in average herd size and milk yields. So while the number of dairy cows in England has fallen by 22% between 2001 and 2010, the level of milk production (at the UK level) has fallen only by 5%.
	
		
			  Number of dairy farm s Number of dairy cattle (on dairy holdings)   
			  England Northa nts England Northants UK milk production (million litres) (1) Average UK milk yield (litres per cow per year) 
			 2001(2,) ( ) (3) 14,045 57 1,252,687 5,751 14,284 6,346 
		
	
	
		
			 2010(4) 9,351 40 1,143,795 4,125 13,533 7,301 
			 (1) Source: DEFRA and RPA statistics. (2) Sourced from June Survey. Defined as the number of holdings with dairy as the predominant farming activity. (3) Thresholds have been applied to the 2001 data to make them comparable with the 2010 data which represent only commercial holdings. (4) Sourced from CTS. Defined as the number of holdings from CTS with >10 2+dairy cows in the milking herd (i.e. with offspring).

Dairy Farming

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many milk producers have left the dairy farming industry in each year since 2000.

James Paice: The following table gives the number of milk producers in the UK in June of each year since 2000 as well as the net number of producers that left the industry since the previous June. Figures for June 2011 are not yet available.
	
		
			  Producer numbers Net loss since previous June 
			 2000 28,422 1,799 
			 2001 26,556 1,866 
			 2002 24,930 1,626 
			 2003 22,992 1,938 
			 2004 21,616 1,376 
			 2005 20,313 1,303 
			 2006 19,011 1,302 
			 2007 17,915 1,096 
			 2008 17,060 855 
			 2009 16,404 656 
			 2010 15,716 688 
			 Sou r ce:DairyCo http://www.dairyco.net/library/market-information/datum/producer-numbers.aspx

Departmental Billing

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of invoices from small and medium-sized businesses were paid by her Department within five working days of receipt in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Richard Benyon: The Department does not currently distinguish SMEs when measuring performance on paying invoices within five working days.
	The performance of the Department and its executive agencies for payments to all suppliers for the financial year 2010-11 is shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Within five days average full year Percentage 
			 DEFRA 66.3 
			 FERA 75.6 
			 VMD 83.4 
			 CEFAS 53.3 
			 RPA 97.9 
			 AH 96.1 
			 VLA 75.1

Departmental Carbon Emissions

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department has any plans to generate low-carbon energy from its estate.

Richard Benyon: As part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions on its estate, DEFRA has introduced technologies which generate low carbon energy at sites in Alnwick and Weybridge.
	There are no current plans to supplement this programme.

Departmental Statistics

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what statistical data her Department has ceased to collect in the last year; and what the (a) reasons for and (b) savings arising from each such cessation were.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA has stopped the following key regular collections in the last year:
	
		
			  Reason Estimated cost savings (£000) 
			 Earnings and hours of agricultural workers Survey suspended given intention to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board 30 
		
	
	The design of collections, content and publications changes as we review the information needed and seek out more efficient approaches.

EU Law

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what European directives in force on 1 April 2010 her Department is responsible; and what European directives for which her Department is responsible have come into force since 1 April 2010.

Richard Benyon: The stock of EU legislation in force is set out in:
	http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm
	It would be of disproportionate cost to review the entire stock to establish which pieces of legislation are currently the responsibility of DEFRA.
	There are a number of directives which have come into force since 1 April 2010 for which my Department has responsibility and I will write separately providing a detailed list.

Floods: Pickering

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will use her power of variation of the 10,000 cubic metre threshold under (a) the Reservoir Act 1975 or (b) guidance issued pursuant to that Act in relation to the Pickering Flood Defence Scheme; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: The provisions in the 2010 Flood and Water Management Act that amend the Reservoirs Act 1975, including the changes to the volume threshold for large raised reservoirs, have yet to be formally commenced. Once commenced, the threshold will be reduced from 25,000 to 10,000 cubic metres, with a power for the Minister to substitute a different volume.
	We are currently considering the way forward on the Pickering flood defence scheme, including the extent to which the Reservoirs Act 1975 and the related guidance may provide workable and affordable solutions.

Forestry Commission: Redundancy

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow North (Ann McKechin) of 21 June 2011, Official Report, column 245W, on the Forestry Commission: redundancy, if she will make it her policy to put on hold the decision to reduce the Forestry Commission spending settlement pending the outcome of the work of the Independent Panel on Forestry on the future of the public forest estate; what information she has sought from the public and representative organisations on the decision to reduce the Forestry Commission settlement; and when working with the Forestry Commission on delivery of key outcomes, what methods were used to assess the impact on (a) biodiversity, (b) recreation and (c) education of the proposal to reduce the Forestry Commission settlement.

James Paice: The Government have no plans to put on hold the spending review allocation to the Forestry Commission. In deciding the budget allocations for DEFRA and its arm’s length bodies, Ministers took account of spending priorities and the contribution of individual arm’s length bodies to achieving key outcomes for the Department. The Forestry Commission continues to recognise that it may need to adapt its spending review plans following the Government's response to the recommendations of the Independent Panel on Forestry, and has structured its plans in such a way that this flexibility can be achieved.

Forests

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2011, Official Report, column 1083, what arrangements have been made for the chairing of meetings of the Independent Panel on Forestry on the future of the public forest estate in the absence of the chair; whether she expects the panel to report in November 2011; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: The independent panel's findings and advice will be presented to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in a final report in spring 2012. The panel has a planned work programme for the summer and will make its own administrative arrangements about meetings or events in the chair's absence. Further details of this are available on the panel's webpage on the DEFRA website.

Land: Contamination

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to complete the review of contaminated land regime.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA is currently finalising revisions to the contaminated land regime and expects to lay the revised statutory guidance and amendments to the Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 2006 in Parliament in the autumn.

Livestock

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department plans to take to improve available information on livestock productivity.

James Paice: A range of UK livestock production statistics are published annually in chapter 5 of the ‘Agriculture in the United Kingdom’ publication. These include average carcase weights, average milk yields and meat production and breeding herd statistics. These can be found at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/files/defra-stats-foodfarm-crosscutting-auk-2010-chapter05-commodities-livestock-110623.xls
	Detailed information on farm level performance is collected through the Farm Business Survey. Results are published annually, including a breakdown by the various livestock farm types, in Farm Accounts in England and can be found at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/farmmanage/fbs/farmaccounts/
	The Farm Business Survey is continually assessed to ensure the relevance and quality of the data. Over recent years this has included collecting information on farm management practices to understand how these link to farm performance.
	Statistics related to climate change mitigation are currently being compiled and are due to be published later this month on the DEFRA website. These will include a range of indicators of livestock productivity including breeding herd longevity and fertility, mortality and feed conversion.

Livestock

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable she has set for delivery of product road maps in all livestock sectors; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: The Government are working closely with the dairy, beef and sheep, and pig meat sectors as they manage the delivery of the programmes for sustainability set out in their product roadmaps.
	The future targets for 2015 and 2020 set out in the recently published Dairy Roadmap can be found starting at page 36 at:
	http://www.dairyco.net/library/research-development/environment/dairy-roadmap.aspx
	The two parts of the product roadmap for beef and sheep published in November 2009 and December 2010 respectively can be found at:
	http://www.eblex.org.uk/publications/corporate.aspx
	Part one highlights the challenges the sector faces in reducing greenhouse gases and sets out targets for emissions improvements and the main opportunities for efficiency improvements to deliver these. Part two includes updates on plans to monitor progress towards the targets previously set out.
	The English pig meat roadmap published this spring can be found at:
	http://www.bpex.org.uk/Article.aspx?ID=301329
	2020 targets are set out in the box on page 6, while key performance indicators for pig producers for 2014 and 2020 are included on page 13.

Livestock

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make an assessment of trends in levels of livestock production in each of the last four years.

James Paice: Levels of UK livestock production are published annually in the DEFRA publication “Agriculture in the United Kingdom”. The latest publication dated May 2011 is available at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/cross-cutting/auk/
	UK livestock production in each of the last four years is shown in Table 1. Meat production is in carcase weight equivalent.
	
		
			 Table 1: UK livestock production 
			  2007 2008 2009 2010 
			 Beef and veal (thousand tonnes) 888 866 823 898 
			 Mutton and lamb (thousand tonnes) 329 332 313 287 
			 Pig meat (thousand tonnes) 707 706 681 712 
			 Poultry meat (thousand tonnes) 1,464 1,462 1,457 1,573 
			 Milk (million litres) 13,626 13,326 13,204 13,540 
			 Eggs (million dozen) 720 754 751 826 
			 Source: Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2010, DEFRA. 
		
	
	Information on UK production and overseas trade is brought together in “Agriculture in the United Kingdom” to show the total UK supply of livestock products (in carcase weight equivalent for meat). Possible uses include food manufacturing, catering, household purchases and pet food. Note that the household consumption figures given in reply to the recent question on consumption of beef, land and poultry are part of this picture and are given in product weight rather than carcase weight equivalent. The tables in “Agriculture in the United Kingdom” should be used if comparing production with overall supply to consider trends in self sufficiency.

Livestock

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate how much (a) beef, (b) lamb and (c) poultry was consumed in the UK in each of the last four years.

James Paice: Quantities of beef, lamb and poultry purchased for UK household supplies are sourced from the ‘Expenditure and Food Survey' for years 2006 and 2007 ‘Living Costs and Food Survey' from 2008 onwards. The 2010 data are currently unavailable but will be published in November 2011.
	The data collected relate to purchases and not consumption. Consumption data are not collected. It is assumed that all purchases are consumed. Purchases of non-carcase meat and meat products such as sausages, pies, and meat-based ready meals are excluded. ‘Eating out' purchases are also excluded as it is not possible to identify quantities of beef, lamb and poultry within the ‘eating out’ data.
	
		
			 UK household purchases of beef, lamb and poultry 
			 Thousand tonnes per year 
			  2006 2007 2008 2009 
			 Beef 390 391 351 354 
			 Lamb 161 170 137 147 
			 Poultry 632 645 653 648

Sheep: Tuberculosis

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will reverse her policy not to pay compensation for the compulsory slaughter of sheep with tuberculosis.

James Paice: There is no statutory compensation payment for sheep slaughtered because they are suspected of being TB-infected. Currently, the Government have no plans to review this policy.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts Council England: Finance

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what support his Department has given to Arts Council England in its reform of the way regular funding is invested in arts organisations to ensure a more strategic approach.

Jeremy Hunt: Individual arts funding decisions are taken at arm's length from Government, and the decision to reform the system of regular funding was made independently by Arts Council England.
	Officials in my Department worked with Arts Council England throughout the development and delivery of the new National Portfolio system.

Broadband

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the proportion of the UK population which will have access to (a) conventional fixed, (b) superfast, (c) wireless and (d) satellite broadband services by 2015.

Edward Vaizey: The Government are committed to having the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015, with 90% of all premises having access to superfast broadband and there being a fibre connection in virtually every community and with access to a minimum 2Mbps connection for all premises. The Government will take a technology-neutral approach in achieving this objective.

Cultural Heritage

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to help preserve heritage sites in (a) Bexley and (b) Greater London.

John Penrose: In 2009-10, English Heritage gave £2.4 million in grant aid to Greater London. This included the final payments for the major restoration and conservation of the grade I listed Crossness Pumping Station at Belvedere. English Heritage also works closely with Bexley council and the Bexley Heritage Trust to ensure the continued success of Danson House and Hall Place.
	English Heritage has recently launched the National Heritage Protection Plan, which sets out why, what and how England's vulnerable historic environment is to be safeguarded in the next four years. Developed in consultation with a wide range of partners, it shows where the threats are the greatest and will help English Heritage to prioritise its work. It will also help other heritage professionals and volunteers to contribute to the business of managing England's heritage. This Department and English Heritage are also considering various measures to tackle the problem of buildings which have been on the Heritage at risk register for an extended period of time. In this respect, Danson House and Crossness are prime examples of what can be achieved.

Departmental Allowances

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what expenses were claimed by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers working in his Department in the last 12 months.

John Penrose: Since June 2010 there has been £90 of expenses claimed by the special advisers employed by the Department. There are no unpaid special advisers working in the Department.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Executives

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with Scottish Ministers regarding the chief executive of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has had no discussions with Scottish Ministers regarding the chief executive of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games.

Holiday Accommodation: Energy Performance Certificates

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what representations he has received from the domestic tourism industry opposing the introduction of the requirement for some holiday properties to obtain energy performance certificates;
	(2)  whether and on how many occasions he has met ministerial colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government to discuss the requirement for some holiday properties to obtain energy performance certificates.

Jeremy Hunt: A number of tourism trade bodies and businesses have raised concerns with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and also responded to the Government's Red Tape Challenge consultation about the impact of introducing energy performance certificates (EPCs) on the self-catering sector. Policy responsibility for this matter rests with the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG). I have not met with CLG to discuss this issue, but the Minister for Tourism and Heritage, my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare (John Penrose) wrote to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government and Planning, my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill) on 4 April about certification process for holiday properties.

Holiday Accommodation: Energy Performance Certificates

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he made of the effect on competition between providers of holiday accommodation of requirements for some holiday properties to obtain energy performance certificates.

Andrew Stunell: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department published an impact assessment which estimated the likely costs and benefits of requiring certain properties rented out as a holiday let to have an Energy Performance Certificate. It was determined that requiring holiday lets to obtain Energy Performance Certificates would not produce any competition issues.

Olympic Games 2012: Tickets

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made for the ratio of applications to available tickets for the London 2012 Olympics.

Edward Vaizey: In the first round of sales, 1.9 million applications were made for 22 million Olympic tickets. 75% of tickets—6.6 million—are being made available through the UK application process. The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) will do everything it can to get those that were unsuccessful in the first round, to the games.

Public Appointments: Females

Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many and what proportion of those holding public appointments in his Department's public bodies which were made by (a) his Department, (b) the Prime Minister, (c) the Crown and (d) the bodies concerned are women.

Jeremy Hunt: As at 31 March 2011, of the total 505 current public appointments to the Department's arm's length bodies, 182 (36%) were women. 416 public appointments were made either by departmental Ministers, the Prime Minister or HM the Queen, on the recommendation of Ministers, of which 161 (39%) were women.
	Details of the public appointments made in the manner that the right hon. Lady have requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Information on the Department's individual public appointments is published on our website:
	http://www.culture.gov.uk/about_us/public_appointments/1006.aspx

Royal Parks Agency: Demonstrations

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on what grounds the Royal Parks Agency can decline to approve a public demonstration; and if he will make a statement.

John Penrose: The Royal Parks has a long tradition of accommodating public demonstrations and has policies and procedures for managing them. Under the Royal Parks Regulations 4 (17) those who wish to
	“organise or take part in any assembly, display, performance, representation, parade, procession, review or theatrical event”
	must get written permission.

TREASURY

Access to Work Programme

Anne McGuire: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many disabled employees of his Department are receiving support from the Access to Work programme; and what proportion of the workforce of his Department this figure represents.

Justine Greening: None of the HM Treasury staff with disabilities who currently receive support for reasonable adjustments to their working environment are in receipt of additional funding from the Jobcentre Plus Access to Work scheme.

Air Passenger Duty

Brian H Donohoe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effect on the number of inbound tourists of planned increases in the rate of air passenger duty in 2012;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effect of the level of air passenger duty on the number of tourists visiting the UK;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the effect on levels of foreign direct investment of rates of air passenger duty.

Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 June 2011, Official Report, column 424W.

Banks: Finance

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the (a) timetable and (b) mechanism for any sale of shares in banks in which UK Financial Investments manages the stake owned by the Government.

Mark Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government's shareholding in financial institutions at an arm's length and commercial basis. UKFI's objective is to dispose of the investments in an orderly and active manner, within the context of an overarching objective of protecting and creating value for the taxpayer.
	UKFI will look at the full range of alternatives for divestment, and will make recommendations based on market conditions, on an assessment of investor demand, and on value for money considerations at the time when considering a transaction. Because any decision needs to be taken in the context of changing economic and market conditions, UKFI does not think it is possible to or desirable to state hard goals such as price or time that would determine when the Government's interests will be sold.

Banks: Finance

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's policy is on returns to the public purse from the amounts invested in banks in which UK Financial Investments manages the stake owned by the Government.

Mark Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government's shareholding in financial institutions on an arm's length and commercial basis.
	UKFI's remit is to devise and execute a strategy for disposing of the Government's investments in an orderly and active way, in line with its overarching objective to create and protect value for the taxpayer as shareholder.
	The Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), launched the Northern Rock sales process on 15 June in his speech at Mansion House. At this stage all viable options remain available for further consideration; however a sale is being explored as the first option.
	The Office for National Statistics will decide how to account for the proceeds in the public finances of any share sale taking into account the precise nature of the transaction. How any proceeds resulting from a sale will be determined as part of the normal annual Budget process.

Business: Credit

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the adequacy of the credit facilities given by banks to small and medium-sized enterprises to promote company growth and development; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: On 9 February 2011 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), announced a new commitment by the UK's biggest high street banks on lending expectations and capacity. As part of this commitment, the banks intend to lend £190 billion of new credit to businesses in 2011, up from £179 billion in 2010. If demand exceeds this, the banks will lend more. £76 billion of this lending will be to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is a 15% increase on 2010 lending of £66 billion.
	The Merlin banks loaned a total of £47.3 billion to UK businesses in the first quarter of 2011, including £16.8 billion to SMEs. The Government are encouraged that the banks are broadly on target to meet their overall commitment. However, it is disappointing that the banks are behind schedule on lending to SMEs. As the Chancellor made clear in his Mansion House speech on 15 June, the Government will use all tools available to them to ensure that the banks live up to their promises.

Departmental Correspondence

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of how many letters to (a) Ministers in his Department and (b) the Permanent Secretary for Tax at HM Revenue and Customs, a reply was sent (i) in under one month, (ii) between one and three months and (iii) more than three months from the date of receipt in the last 12 months.

Justine Greening: holding answer 8 June 2011
	The information requested is in the following table, for the 12 months to May 2011:
	
		
			 Number of letters 
			  Within a month Between 1 and 3 months More than 3 months 
			 HMT ministerial 7,780 6,803 1,403 
			 HMRC senior officials on behalf of the Exchequer Secretary 1,176 562 18 
			 HMRC senior officials 5,296 1,182 71 
			 Grand total 14,252 8,547 1,492 
		
	
	The HMRC database does not differentiate between correspondence received by the Permanent Secretary of HMRC, Permanent Secretary for Tax and the Chairman of HMRC. These senior HMRC officials also respond to letters sent to the Exchequer Secretary which relate to operational and taxpayer-specific matters.
	Correspondence has been at record levels following the general election, the two Budgets, the spending review and the autumn forecast. The Departments are working as quickly as possible to reply to all outstanding correspondence and make their processes more robust.

Freedom of Information

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many requests under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department received from (a) hon. Members from each political party and (b) members of the public in each year since the Act's entry into force.

Justine Greening: The Ministry of Justice publishes quarterly and annual reports on the volume, timeliness and outcomes of information requests received by over 40 Government Departments. Reports covering the years to 2010 are published on the MOJ website and are available in the Libraries of both Houses.
	The Treasury does not collect statistics about the background of individual requesters. Where requestors have made clear that they are MPs we are able to provide the following data, although these may not represent all Freedom of Information requests from MPs.
	The total numbers of requests in the period in question are:
	2005: 1,208
	2006: 1,228
	2007: 1,092
	2008: 1,418
	2009: 1,451
	2010: 2,064.
	Of these requests, the numbers of recorded requests from MPs are:
	2005: 67
	2006: 80
	2007: 45
	2008: 55
	2009: 52
	2010: 99.

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

Justine Greening: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Economic Situation: EU Countries

Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of the Government's exposure to the debts of the governments of (a) Portugal, (b) Greece, (c) Ireland and (d) Spain in each financial year since 2005-06.

Mark Hoban: The Government do not normally disclose details of their individual exposures.
	Regarding exposures through the existing, packages of international financial assistance to Greece, Ireland and Portugal, I refer the hon. Gentleman to my recent written answer to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood) on 27 June 2011, Official Report, columns 545-46W.

Excise Duties: Fuels

Matthew Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment his Department has made of the effects on inflation of his decision not to proceed with planned fuel duty rises.

Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is responsible for producing independent economic and fiscal forecasts. The effects on inflation of the changes to fuel duty are included in their latest forecast.

Financial Conduct Authority

Matthew Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent progress there has been in the creation of the Financial Conduct Authority.

Mark Hoban: The Government published a White Paper, “A new approach to financial regulation: the blueprint for reform”, on 16 June. This document sets out the Government's detailed proposals for the creation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the context of wider reform of financial regulation. The White Paper includes draft legislation and explanatory notes.
	On 27 June, the Financial Services Authority published the document “The Financial Conduct Authority: approach to regulation” to consult on the detail of the FCA's regulatory approach.

Financial Policy Committee

Alison McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many full-time equivalent members of staff are to support the Statutory Financial Policy Committee; and what proportion of such staff will (a) be staff of the (i) Financial Services Authority and (ii) Bank of England and (b) be newly recruited.

Mark Hoban: The Financial Policy Committee will have at its disposal analytical resources across several Bank directorates, in particular: Financial Stability; Markets; and, to the extent that it is relevant, Monetary Policy. A new FPC secretariat, which sits within Financial Stability directorate, has been established to coordinate analytical and process support arrangements for the FPC. Its budget is 6.5 full-time equivalent staff.
	FSA staff also play a key role in briefing FPC members and implementing policy actions on behalf of the FPC.

Financial Services: Regulation

Alison McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the budget of the (a) Statutory Financial Policy Committee, (b) Prudential Regulation Authority and (c) Financial Conduct Authority will be in their first year of operation.

Mark Hoban: Budgets for the first year of operation of the Financial Policy Committee (FPC), the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have not yet been set.
	The annual budgets of the new regulatory authorities will be determined independently of Government. Detailed budgeting decisions and plans for the first year of operation of the FPC, PRA and FCA will be made by the Bank of England and the FSA as part of the programme to establish the new regulators.

Freezing Orders: Syria

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who amongst those persons who have had their assets frozen under the Syria (Asset-Freezing) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 1244) was classified as a politically-exposed person before the beginning of operations in Libya.

Mark Hoban: holding answer 5 July 2011
	The Government do not maintain a list of politically-exposed persons (PEPs).
	Rather, it is for financial institutions to determine whether or not someone is a PEP, drawing on the definitions set out in the UK's Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and the global standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and taking account of available information about individuals' positions and activities.
	Given the definition of PEPs, the Treasury expects that regulated businesses will have identified many of those subject to the Syria (Asset-Freezing) Regulations 2011 as PEPs and to have treated them accordingly.
	It should be noted that identifying someone as a PEP does not automatically mean that financial institutions are unable to do business with that person. Rather it requires them to undertake enhanced due diligence before starting a business relationship and on an ongoing basis thereafter. Businesses must not start a relationship with a new customer unless they can satisfy themselves of the legitimacy of the customer, their funds and source of wealth.

Gift Aid

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department has had with service charities on participation in the Gift Aid scheme.

Justine Greening: Officials hold frequent discussions with charities and representative bodies of charities, for example through the HMRC Charity Tax Forum. The agendas and minutes of the Charity Tax Forum are published on the HMRC website and can be found through this link:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/consultations/charities-tax.htm

Gold: EU Countries

Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account he has taken of the monetary value of gold reserves held by other EU member states in reaching decisions on financial assistance to those countries.

Justine Greening: The financial assistance packages received by EU member states were multilateral assistance packages, co-ordinated by the IMF and the European Commission. The IMF routinely takes into account the level of international reserves when assessing member requests for financial assistance.

Housing

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the receipts the Exchequer will receive from local authorities in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland as a result of the housing revenue account subsidy scheme in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13 and (iv) 2013-14.

David Gauke: The Housing Revenue Account Subsidy system operates only in England and Wales. The receipts in respect of England are a matter for the Department for Communities and Local Government, and in Wales it is a matter for the Welsh Government.

Job Creation

Karen Buck: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the proportion of new jobs likely to be created in the economy in each of the next three years which are (a) full-time and (b) part-time.

Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released the official forecast for whole economy employment to 2015 as part of the March 2011 “Economic and Fiscal Outlook”.
	The OBR expects total employment to increase by around 900,000 between 2010 and 2015.
	The OBR has not published forecasts split by part-time and full-time employment.
	There were 29.24 million people in employment in the three months to April 2011, up 376,000 over the year. Of this increase, 198,000 were full-time workers.

Members: Correspondence

John Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to reply to the letters of 21 April and 25 May 2011 from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay regarding Mr G. Dixon.

Justine Greening: holding answer 7 July 2011
	HM Treasury has no record of having received letters from my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay of 21 April and 25 May 2011 regarding Mr G. Dixon. I have asked my officials to contact my hon. Friend’s office to obtain copies.

Money: Counterfeit Manufacturing

Matthew Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 4 July 2011, Official Report, column 1088W, on money: counterfeit manufacturing, how many counterfeit coins were removed from circulation in the last year.

Justine Greening: 1,845,766 counterfeit £1 coins were removed from circulation and returned to the Royal Mint in 2010-11.

Taxation

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the merits of adopting the approach to tax deferments practised by the previous Administration.

David Gauke: Since its launch in November 2008 to the end of March 2011, HMRC's Business Payment Support Service has agreed some 428,800 arrangements involving £7.37 billion of tax. £6.31 billion has already been paid to HMRC from mature arrangements.
	However, its launch did not, and does not, affect HMRC's underlying policy or approach to time to pay which has not changed.
	HMRC continues to offer a sympathetic ear to businesses—and individuals—in temporary financial difficulty and we will continue to offer the BPSS as part of their time to pay arrangements for as long as it is needed.

Taxation: Financial Services

Matthew Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent progress his Department has made in international discussions about the development of a financial activities tax.

Mark Hoban: The Government are continuing to explore the costs and benefits of a financial activities tax with international partners. As requested by ECOFIN, the European Commission is currently preparing an impact assessment on financial sector taxation, including financial activities taxes.

Taxation: Offshore Industry

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of the projected income from the supplementary charge on the oil and gas industry in the next two financial years.

Justine Greening: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), and I have asked the OBR to reply.
	Letter from Robert Chote, dated July 2011
	As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the Office for Budget Responsibility I have been asked to reply to your recent question.
	The information that you have requested has not previously been published by the OBR. In line with our release policy, the OBR aims to meet ongoing requests for supplementary forecast information where this will improve the quality of public debate on the public finances. Our release policy is available on our website at:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/wordpress/docs/release_policy.pdf
	Where the OBR publishes supplementary material, releases will be made in an orderly manner that promotes public confidence and gives equal access to information. The next scheduled release date for the publication of supplementary forecast information is 21 July 2011.

Taxation: Voluntary Work

Steven Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in relation to tax concessions to encourage volunteering; and if he will make a statement.

Justine Greening: Treasury Ministers and officials receive representations from a wide variety of organisations and individuals in the public and private sector as part of the process of policy development and implementation. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings.

UK Asset Resolution

Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the salary was of the chief executive of UK Asset Resolution Ltd in 2010-11; and what his salary is for 2011-12.

Mark Hoban: UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) Ltd was established on 1 October 2010 as the holding company for Northern Rock (Asset Management) plc and Bradford and Bingley plc.
	Richard Banks is the chief executive of UKAR. As detailed in the annual reports of Northern Rock (Asset Management) and Bradford and Bingley, his salary is £340,000 per annum.

UK Asset Resolution

Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the chief executive of UK Asset Resolution Ltd received in total remuneration including any bonuses in 2010-11; and how much he will receive in 2011-12.

Mark Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government's investments in financial institutions at an arm's length and commercial basis. UK Asset Resolution has an incentive scheme in place which has been agreed with UKFI and is aligned to corporate and individual performance.
	UK Asset Resolution was established on 1 October 2010. Details of the remuneration arrangements for UKAR's chief executive, Richard Banks, include details of remuneration arrangements for his previous post as chief executive of Bradford and Bingley plc. The arrangements were detailed in the Bradford and Bingley plc and Northern Rock (Asset Management) plc annual reports for 2010 and are as follows:
	
		
			 Directors' emoluments for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 
			 £ 
			  Basic salary/ fees (1) Noncash benefits Allowances Payment in lieu of pension Bonus (2) Total emoluments 2010 
			 Richard Banks 275,500 1,061 22,800 82,650 170,000 552,011 
			 (1) The only element of pay that pension is calculated on. (2) Payment is subject to deferral and clawback as outlined in the Bradford and Bingley and Northern Rock (Asset Management) plc annual reports. Note: As MD of B and B, Richard Banks was entitled to receive an annual bonus award which was capped upon his appointment at a maximum of £30,000 for 2009.

UK Asset Resolution

Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff were employed by UK Asset Resolution Ltd at each grade on the latest date for which figures are available; and what the pay scale was of each such grade.

Mark Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government's shareholding in financial institutions at arm's length and on a commercial basis. UKFI's overarching objective is to protect and create value for the taxpayer as shareholder, with due regard to financial stability and acting in a way that promotes competition. Details on employee issues are a matter for the boards of individual banks. The most recent figures published by UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) in the Northern Rock (Asset Management) plc and Bradford and Bingley plc 2010 annual reports stated that the company employed 2,400 people at year end.

UK Asset Resolution

Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how much UK Asset Resolution Ltd has spent on each external consultancy contract since its creation;
	(2)  how much UK Asset Resolution Ltd has spent on hospitality for each category of cost since the body's creation;
	(3)  how much UK Asset Resolution Ltd has spent on travel under each category of cost since the body's creation.

Mark Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government's shareholding in financial institutions at arm's length and on a commercial basis. UKFI's overarching objective is to protect and create value for the taxpayer as shareholder, with due regard to financial stability and acting in a way that promotes competition.
	The board of UK Asset Resolution is responsible for ensuring that financial and human resources are in place for the company to deliver its business plan as agreed with UKFI. Decisions on consultancy contracts, hospitality and travel are therefore the responsibility of the board of UK Asset Resolution.

Unemployment

Ian Lavery: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effect on the economy of trends in the rate of unemployment.

Justine Greening: The unemployment rate has fallen recently. In the latest data, it was at 7.7%, down from 7.9% on the quarter.
	Consistent with the Office of Budget Responsibility's March 2011 forecast, unemployment is expected to fall in the medium-term as the economy recovers, supported by action taken by the Government, including the measures published in the Budget and the Plan for Growth.

VAT: Sun Cream

Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of removing VAT from sun cream.

David Gauke: No recent estimate has been made to assess the cost of removing VAT from sun cream.

VAT: Sun Cream

Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to the reclassification of sun cream as an essential health product.

David Gauke: Neither HM Treasury nor HM Revenue and Customs have considered reclassifying sun cream as an essential health product.

VAT: Sun Cream

Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the removal of VAT on sun cream.

David Gauke: No representations have been received regarding the removal of VAT on sun cream.

Waste Disposal

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the contribution of fiscal measures to increasing producer responsibility for waste.

Justine Greening: Recycling targets for packaging waste, to be met by businesses which place packaging on the market, are delivered through existing fiscal instruments—the packaging recovery notes (PRNs) and packaging export recovery notes (PERNs). Recovery and recycling targets and 2010 performance are:
	
		
			 Percentage 
			  Targets Performance 
			 Material 2011 2012 2010 
			 Paper/card 69.5 69.5 81.9 
			 Glass 81 81 60.7 
			 Aluminium 40 40 40.9 
			 Steel 71 71 59.3 
			 Plastic 32 32 24.1 
			 Wood 22 22 75.4 
		
	
	The Government are committed to consulting on increased recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste, in time for a final decision at Budget 2012.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Access to Work Programme

Anne McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disabled people in his Department are being supported in employment under its access to work programme; and what proportion of his Department's staff this represents.

Maria Miller: The Department for Work and Pensions does not use the access to work programme to provide assistance to its disabled employees and as such none of its employees should receive support from the access to work programme.
	Instead DWP provides the funding for support and adjustments for its disabled staff including those working in its agencies, for example Jobcentre Plus.
	DWP, as one of the largest Government Departments, made a decision in 2003 (in agreement with Ministers) that it would meet the cost of support and adjustments needed by disabled colleagues, rather than draw on the limited access to work programme. Potentially, this means more funding for smaller employers who are more likely to be concerned about the cost of adjustments.

Child Care Tax Credit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of households with child care costs per week in excess of (a) £125 for one child or £210 for two or more children and (b) £100 for one child or £150 for two or more children.

Maria Miller: The information is not available for all households, since there is no one source which provides comprehensive and universal child care costs. Child care costs are also highly variable.
	In estimating current child care costs there are a number of different sources: the most relevant of which is administrative data for the child care element of working tax credits (see details following) but this does not give a complete picture as it does not cover all households. There is a survey of parents conducted for the Department for Education in England, but it does not allow us to accurately estimate the numbers of households with weekly child care costs over these amounts.(1) No administrative data are collected for the other two main potential sources of information, which are those receiving employer-supported child care, and those whose child care expenditure is disregarded in housing benefit and council tax benefit.
	Administrative data show that 493,000 households were in receipt of child care element of working tax credits in the United Kingdom at April 2011. Of these households:
	49,000 had one child and reported child care costs of over £125 per week;
	28,000 had two or more children and reported child care costs of over £210 per week;
	73,000 had one child and reported child care costs of over £100 per week;
	65,000 had two or more children and reported child care costs of over £150 per week.(2)
	(1 )Smith R. et al (2010) Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents 2009, Department for Education RR054.
	(2 )The figures are consistent with the latest tax credits provisional statistics for April 2011 which can be found at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-apr11.pdf

Child Care Tax Credit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how his Department calculates its estimates of rates of additional take-up of assistance with child care costs under the proposed universal credit.

Chris Grayling: Universal credit modelling is conducted using the Department's policy simulation model. This is a static microsimulation model based on data from the 2008-09 Family Resources Survey, uprated to the relevant year's prices, benefit rates and earnings levels.
	The modelling is adjusted to take account of imperfect take-up using microsimulation techniques. This is important as we expect take-up of entitlements to rise under universal credit due to the increased simplicity and integrated nature of the new benefit.
	A number of assumptions are made about the extent to which take-up will rise in universal credit as a whole. The key assumptions being that those currently taking up some but not all of their entitlements will take-up all of the universal credit, while around half of those not taking up any of their current entitlements do so under the new system. We assume that in some cases take-up will remain unchanged, for example those people whom we consider are currently not satisfying the requirements of the conditionality regime.

Child Care Tax Credit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of working households with childcare costs who would be worse off in their current employment compared to being out of work, accounting for their in-work costs and excluding any transitional protection (a) under the options he is considering for childcare costs under the universal credit and (b) if a childcare element covering 80 per cent. of childcare costs up to £175 for one child and £300 for two or more children was introduced within the universal credit.

Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available.
	Universal credit modelling is conducted using the Department's Policy Simulation Model. This is a static microsimulation model based on data from the 2008-09 Family Resources Survey (FRS), uprated to the relevant year's prices, benefit rates and earnings levels.
	The FRS 2008-09 does not collect information on in-work costs, such as travel to work costs, and therefore this information cannot be included in our universal credit modelling.

Child Care Tax Credit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many families will have their entitlements to support with childcare costs (a) increased and (b) reduced after the full implementation of the universal credit;
	(2)  how many households will be (a) better and (b) worse off working 16 or more hours per week after the full implementation of the universal credit under each childcare option he proposes;
	(3)  how many households with child care costs would be better off after the full implementation of the universal credit based on assumed maximum entitlements for the financial year 2010-11 compared to under benefit rates within the existing system for the financial year 2010-11.

Chris Grayling: The details of the child care element in universal credit are not yet finalised. The impacts of the proposed child care policy will be set out in future iterations of the universal credit impact assessment.

Child Care Tax Credit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households would be both worse off in work than out of work once child care costs are accounted for and affected by the proposed cap on benefit entitlements for out-of-work households if they are out of work under each universal credit option for child care costs.

Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available as the estimated impacts from the benefit cap in universal credit will depend upon the final detailed design issues regarding the treatment of in-work households.
	Furthermore, the details of the child care element in universal credit are not yet finalised. The impacts of the proposed childcare policy will be set out in future iterations of the universal credit impact assessment.

Corporate Manslaughter

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department expect to next meet representatives of Families Against Corporate Killers; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Grayling: Ministers meet with key H&S stakeholders and lobby groups on a regular basis. However, there are currently no plans to meet representatives of Families Against Corporate Killers.

Disability Living Allowance

Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which key activities he proposes will be examined as part of the proposed objective assessment for disability living allowance.

Maria Miller: On 9 May we published our initial proposals for the assessment criteria for personal independence payment, which will replace disability living allowance from 2013. These were developed in collaboration with an independent group of specialists in health, social care and disability. We intend that the priority in the benefit should go to those individuals who are least able to live independent lives and so are proposing to assess individuals’ ability to carry out a range of key everyday activities.
	The activities we are proposing to assess are:
	Planning and buying food and drink;
	Preparing food and drink;
	Taking nutrition;
	Managing medication and monitoring health conditions;
	Managing prescribed therapies other than medication;
	Washing, bathing & grooming;
	Managing toilet needs or incontinence;
	Dressing and undressing;
	Communicating with others;
	Planning and following a journey, and
	Moving around.
	These activities have been chosen to provide a more holistic assessment of the impact of disability that the current DLA criteria, considering the impact of a more comprehensive range of impairment types. For example, the introduction of communication is a significant departure from DLA and one which will ensure we better take into account the effect of impairments of hearing, speech and language comprehension.
	We are currently carrying out an informal consultation and have already met with over 60 disability organisations to discuss the criteria, how they will work and how they might be improved. We are also testing the assessment, to enable us to better understand its likely impact, by carrying out around 900 sample assessments over the summer. Our aim is to provide a further draft of the assessment criteria and regulations in the autumn, building on the testing and the feedback from disability organisations.

Disability Living Allowance

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what training and guidance his Department gives to staff on making decisions on disability living allowance claims for people with (a) sickle cell disease and (b) other fluctuating conditions.

Maria Miller: Decision-makers are provided with evidence-based guidance on a range of disabling conditions which includes sickle cell disease and other fluctuating conditions. The guidance includes information on clinical features, treatment, sources of evidence, disabling effects in relation to care and mobility and prognosis.
	The guidance to decision-makers on determining entitlement to benefit where the claimant's condition fluctuates is to take a broad view over the whole period and consider whether the claimant can fairly be described as meeting the test.

Disability Living Allowance

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his most recent estimate is of the waiting time for patients with sickle cell disease who have been refused disability living allowance for cases before an appeal tribunal against the decision.

Jonathan Djanogly: I have been asked to reply.
	The first-tier tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) does not record disability living allowance (DLA) appeals by specific disability and cannot, therefore, provide the waiting time for patients with sickle cell disease. However, it is possible to provide the average time taken from submission of a disability living allowance appeal to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) until the date of the first appeal hearing at Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
	The information in the following table covers April 2011, the latest period for which figures are available:
	
		
			 Disability living allowance waiting times 
			  Weeks 
			 Average time in weeks from submission to DWP to receipt at HMCTS(1) 6.88 
			 Average time in weeks from receipt at HMCTS to first hearing 24.37 
			 (1) The data regarding the time from when an appeal is submitted to the DWP until it is received by HMCTS are taken from HMCTS' database and relies on the date of submission provided by DWP. The Tribunal does not measure the time from receipt at DWP to receipt at HMCTS and the average has been calculated by subtracting the time from receipt at HMCTS to first hearing from the total average time. 
		
	
	Longer than usual waiting times for a hearing result from an unexpectedly high level of appeals across DWP. In response, HMCTS has increased its capacity significantly and, nationally, published management information shows that 38% more SSCS appeals were cleared in April 2011 compared to April 2010 (and 65% more when compared with April 2009). Further capacity increases are in hand.

Employment Schemes: Disability

Michael Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Work programme in placing disabled people into employment.

Chris Grayling: In order to secure contracts to deliver the Work programme, providers have put together strong supply chains with a wide range of partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors, capable between them of tailoring services to meet the full range of individual needs, including those of disabled people.
	We expect to see substantial indications of the success of the Work programme from spring 2013. A full independent evaluation has been commissioned for that year as the first participants complete their two years and I look forward to sharing the results with the House in due course. We will closely monitor the effectiveness of the programme in the interim.

Health and Safety Executive: Inspections

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the potential effects of planned changes to the budget of the Health and Safety Executive on the number of (a) proactive workplace inspections and (b) incident inspections undertaken by the Executive.

Chris Grayling: As announced in my statement of 21 March 2011, Official Report, columns 47-48WS, as a matter of policy, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is changing its approach to target proactive workplace inspections more effectively on areas of greatest risk and substantially reducing the overall number of proactive inspections to businesses in lower risk areas. The criteria by which the HSE selects incidents for investigation have not changed, although by their nature, it is not possible to say in advance how many will be carried out.

Housing Benefit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he attended the Quad meeting referred to in the letter sent by the Department for Communities and Local Government to the Prime Minister's office in January 2011 on the potential impact of policies on the benefit cap and housing benefit of the Department.

Chris Grayling: There were a number of ministerial meetings in January 2011 to discuss welfare reform which the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), attended. All decisions taken concerning welfare were agreed with the Secretary of State.

Housing Benefit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reasons the assumptions made by the Department for Communities and Local Government on homelessness arising from (a) the overall benefit cap and (b) housing benefit reductions were not included in the Welfare Reform Bill impact assessments.

Chris Grayling: The Government's estimate of the potential impact on homelessness of the proposed overall benefit cap, which was published on 16 February 2011, was signed off by the Department's chief analyst as a fair and accurate representation of the policy impacts, and is agreed by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Housing Benefit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he was aware of the Department for Communities and Local Government estimate of the homelessness impact of the overall benefit cap before he signed the impact assessment of 15 February 2011.

Chris Grayling: The Government's estimate of the potential impact on homelessness of the proposed overall benefit cap contained in the impact assessment was signed off on the basis that it was a fair and accurate representation of the policy impacts, and is agreed by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Housing Benefit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which Ministers in his Department saw or were copied into the letter written by the Department for Communities and Local Government to the Prime Minister's office in January 2011 setting out the effect of the benefit cap and housing benefit reductions on homelessness.

Chris Grayling: A copy of the letter addressed to the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister was sent to the Department's private office.

Housing Benefit: Homelessness

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made of the number of households likely to present as homeless in each local authority area as a consequence of the overall benefit cap in the 12 months following its introduction;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of the likely costs to each local authority as a consequence of households presenting as homeless in the 12 months following the introduction of the overall benefit cap.

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the households he has calculated face homelessness as a consequence of the overall benefit cap is assumed to come from (a) social housing and (b) private tenancies; and what proportion is resident in each region.

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of likely changes in the rate of homelessness in Warrington borough if the Government's plans for a benefit cap are implemented.

Chris Grayling: The benefit cap will mean that people on benefit will face choices about housing costs similar to those faced by people in work. But it will not necessarily mean that they will need to move from their home. Even within the limits of this cap, households will still be able to receive significant amounts of financial assistance from state welfare payments and if a member of the household moves into work and becomes eligible for working tax credit they will be exempt from the impacts of the cap.
	There is a range of help local authorities can offer to households at risk of becoming homeless including the provision of discretionary housing payments. We have already made an additional £190 million available over the spending review period for this purpose as a result of the changes we have made to housing benefit.
	The Government published their impact assessment of the benefit cap in February alongside the introduction of the Welfare Reform Bill. This made it clear that it is not possible to estimate the number of additional homelessness applications that might arise as a consequence of the overall benefit cap because this would have to be based on behavioural changes. The impact assessment can be found via the following link:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/household-benefit-cap-wr2011-ia.pdf

Industrial Accidents

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the effects of (a) proactive workplace inspections and (b) incident inspections conducted by the Health and Safety Executive on the incidence of fatalities and serious injuries in the workplace.

Chris Grayling: No. There are additional factors beyond the inspections and investigations undertaken by HSE which influence the incidence of fatalities and serious injuries in the workplace most notably the behaviour of employers and employees.

Industrial Accidents

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of fatalities and major injuries recorded under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 in each of the last five years (a) were investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, (b) resulted in an enforcement notice, (c) resulted in a prosecution and (d) resulted in any other enforcement activity.

Chris Grayling: Information on the numbers of fatalities and major injuries recorded under RIDDOR 1995 in each of the last five years, and on the numbers investigated by HSE, which resulted in formal enforcement, is provided in the following two tables.
	
		
			 Table 1: Fatalities 
			  2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 
			  No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 
			 Fatalities reported to all enforcing authorities i.e. to HSE, ORR and local authorities 618 — 662 — 604 — 605 — 537 — 
			 Number which are HSE-enforced fatalities 255 — 282 — 267 — 235 — 170 — 
			 Number of HSE-enforced fatalities investigated (% of total HSE-enforced fatalities) 255 100 282 100 267 100 235 100 170 100 
			 Number of HSE-enforced fatalities resulting in prosecution (% of total HSE-enforced fatalities investigated) 94 37 107 38 103 39 66 28 32 19 
			 Number of HSE-enforced fatalities resulting in an enforcement notice (% of total HSE-enforced fatalities investigated) 50 20 68 24 72 27 79 34 51 30 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 2: Major injuries 
			  2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 (1) 
			  No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 
			 Major injuries reported to all enforcing authorities 46,085 — 47,511 — 47,933 — 52,547 — 53,004 — 
			 Number which are HSE-enforced major injuries 31,147 — 32,736 — 32,809 — 36,284 — 34,963 — 
			 Number of HSE-enforced major injuries investigated (% of total HSE-enforced major injuries) 2,562 8 2,557 8 2,478 8 1,890 5 1,867 5 
			 Number of HSE-enforced major injuries resulting in prosecution (% of total HSE-enforced major injuries investigated) 181 7 243 10 259 10 192 10 184 10 
			 Number of HSE-enforced major injuries resulting in an enforcement notice (% of total HSE-enforced major injuries investigated) 194 8 291 11 369 15 298 16 323 17 
			 (1) Provisional. 
		
	
	The information in Tables 1 and 2 is current as at 4 July 2011 and relates to fatalities and major injuries to both workers and members of the public. It includes both investigations which have been completed and those which are ongoing. Ongoing investigations may result in further enforcement action being taken, particularly for incidents which occurred in the most recent years. An investigation can result in both the issue of a notice and prosecution.
	Major injury figures for 2009-10 are provisional and finalised figures will be available in November 2011.
	Information on fatalities and major injuries resulting in other enforcement activities (e.g. a letter) can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Industrial Health and Safety

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his policy is on the proportionate implementation of the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 by (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) local authority inspectors.

Chris Grayling: Health and safety law should protect people at work but in a common sense way, without needless bureaucracy. The Health and Safety Executive enforces the law proportionately, by targeting those areas which represent the greatest risks to people at work and those who operate outside the law, in accordance with its enforcement policy statement. Local authorities should follow the same principles when taking enforcement decisions.

Industrial Health and Safety

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the cost to the Health and Safety Executive of implementing the recommendations relating to it contained in “Common Sense, Common Safety”.

Chris Grayling: The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) 2010 spending review settlement for the period 2011-12 to 2014-15 takes account of the resources HSE needs to implement the recommendations in ‘Common Sense, Common Safety’ that it leads on.

Industrial Health and Safety

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the implications for local authority sub-contracting of health and safety inspections of the recommendations relating to combining food safety and health and safety contained in “Common Sense, Common Safety”.

Chris Grayling: The guidance on combined food hygiene and health and safety inspections was jointly prepared by Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and local government representative bodies. It implemented the recommendation arising from ‘Common Sense, Common Safety’ and advised all local authorities (LAs) undertaking health and safety or food hygiene inspections that they should combine these inspections where appropriate.
	Some LAs use contractors to undertake food safety and health and safety inspections, in such cases the LA itself retains the overall management and enforcement responsibility. The guidance to combine inspections should be considered when the LA plans and directs their inspection resources, whether they use contractors or LA officers.
	While health and safety is a reserved matter, food safety is devolved, such that the guidance only applies in England but is made available to LAs in Scotland and Wales should they wish to follow similar principles.

Jobcentre Plus: Closures

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for relocation of Jobcentre Plus staff who work in offices which are to be closed.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what plans he has for relocation of Jobcentre Plus staff who work in offices which are to be closed. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	On 13 May 2011 Jobcentre Plus announced that 22 benefit and contact centres would close—20 during the next 12 months (5 contact centres and 15 benefit centres) and 2 more benefit centres during 2012/13. A commitment has been made that all of the staff affected by these closures will receive an offer of redeployment within Jobcentre Plus, either locally or further afield. There may be additional opportunities for redeployment into other Civil Service posts outside of this Department.
	Jobcentre Plus is midway through individual consultation meetings with staff. These meetings will discuss the closure and give staff the opportunity to talk about their personal circumstances and commitments and the redeployment options that are available to them.
	The individual meetings will determine the scope and potential for redeployment and this will need to be balanced with the needs of the business. Once all of the information has been gathered from those individual meetings and compared with the job opportunities that are actually available, decisions will be made as to where members of staff will be posted. It is intended that Jobcentre Plus will be able to give everyone an indication of their posting by the end of July.
	Staff who move to a new site following the closure of their existing site will retain their existing terms and conditions.
	Staff who incur extra travel costs as a result of any future transfer may qualify for help with excess fares. Any member of staff who accepts a post outside of the Jobcentre Plus normal daily travelling distance definition (either 1 or 1½ hours depending on grade and length of service), can apply for a workforce management redeployment package. This can help with excess travel time and additional childcare costs in addition to excess fares.

Jobcentre Plus: Closures

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what timetable he has set for the planned closure of the benefit and contact centres.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what timetable he has set for the planned closure of the benefit and contact centres. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	There is an outline timetable for the closure of the 22 offices. Over the next 12 months 20 sites will close (5 contact centres and 15 benefit centres) and 2 more benefit centres (Carlisle and Hartlepool) will close during 2012/13.
	Many of the aforementioned 20 sites that are set for closure during the next 12 months have a one year notice period to be served and thus the notice to surrender has already been given in order to facilitate the closures. They will all close by the end of May 2012 but we are looking to phase the movement of work and people over the next 9 months.
	There are a few sites where only 6 months notice needs to be given. Clydebank Contact Centre is one such site where the closure date there is November 2011.

Mansfield Benefit Centre

Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what calculations his Department made when taking the decision to close Mansfield Benefits Centre;
	(2)  what factors were considered by his Department in determining that the Mansfield Benefit Centre is one of the most expensive centres in the country.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking what calculations were made when taking the decision to close Mansfield Benefits Centre and what factors were considered by his Department in determining that it is one of the most expensive centres in the country. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Jobcentre Plus had to conduct a comprehensive review of its Benefit and Contact Centres to address the fact that the organisation has under-used space when it is striving to become leaner, more productive and deliver optimum value for money for the taxpayer through the use of modernised service delivery channels.
	An equally weighted and balanced criteria was used during the review to inform the eventual decision making process. The criteria consisted of;
	Cost effectiveness;
	Performance and productivity;
	The size of the sites;
	Redeployment potential;
	The results of Equality Impact Assessments carried out, and;
	The wider economic impact, the unemployment rate in the area and whether there were any planned closures or redundancies by other Government departments, in the locality.
	In terms of cost, Jobcentre Plus used a cost per work station calculation. This is the total cost of running a site including lease and utility costs but excluding staff and IT costs, divided by the number of workstations at a site.
	The size of sites was another calculation. The recognised optimum site size (for sites of the Mansfield Benefit Centre type) is between 200 and 500 seats. There are just 117 staff in post at Mansfield Benefit Centre.
	All of these criteria are considered when a decision to close a site is made.

Mansfield Benefit Centre

Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  whether any organisation or business has expressed an interest in occupying the premises currently used by the Mansfield Benefits Centre;
	(2)  what level of lease charges is levied for the use of the offices occupied by the Mansfield Benefits Centre;
	(3)  who owns the premises of the Mansfield Benefits Centre;
	(4)  what the terms and conditions are of the lease held by his Department in respect of the Mansfield Benefits Centre.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking whether any organisation or business has expressed an interest in occupying the premises currently used by the Mansfield Benefits Centre, what level of lease charges is levied for the use of the offices, who owns the premises and what the terms and conditions are of the lease. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	DWP signed a 20 year Private Finance Initiative contract with Telereal Trillium in 1998 for the provision of fully fitted and serviced accommodation for which the Department pays an all inclusive unitary charge.
	A single unitary charge is paid for the provision of Mansfield Hill House which accommodates both the Benefit Centre and the Jobcentre. The total cost of the premises is commercial in confidence. Jobcentre Plus can expect to benefit from a reduction in cost by relinquishing the office space occupied by the Benefit Centre.
	The terms and conditions of the occupancy by Mansfield Benefit Centre fall within the aforementioned Private Finance Initiative contract between DWP and Telereal Trillium.
	With regards the ownership of the premises, the Mansfield Benefit Centre estate is freehold and owned by Telereal Trillium. In terms of future occupation of the space that Jobcentre Plus vacates, Telereal Trillium will now act according to the terms by which it runs that building to seek new occupiers.

Mansfield Benefit Centre

Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of savings to be achieved through the closure of the Mansfield Benefits Centre.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what estimate he has made of savings to be achieved through the closure of the Mansfield Benefits Centre. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The challenge, for Jobcentre Plus is to save £170 million through its overall estates rationalisation programme. It is anticipated that the decision to close Mansfield Benefit Centre and 21 other Benefit and Contact Centres will save £14 million by 2015.
	It is not always possible to be specific about the savings that will be realised through the closure of individual sites. Mansfield Benefit Centre is a prime example as it is co-located with a Jobcentre that is not set to close. Typically when Jobcentre Plus relinquishes a floor of a building it will negotiate with estate provider Telereal Trillium to achieve a saving or it will explore the inward co-location potential for new revenue.

Mansfield Benefit Centre

Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what terms and conditions will be applied to staff employed in the Mansfield Benefits Centre in respect of any future transfer to the Derby Benefits Centre, Derby Contact Centre and Annesley Contact Centre.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question that asked what terms and conditions will be applied to staff employed in the Mansfield Benefits Centre in respect of any future transfer to the Derby Benefits Centre, Derby Contact Centre and Annesley Contact Centre. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Jobcentre Plus staff who move to a new site following the closure of their existing site will retain their existing terms and conditions. However, a member of staff might wish to review their actual working patterns with their manager at the new site and this will be discussed at the appropriate time.
	Staff who incur extra travel costs may qualify for help with excess fares. Any member of staff who accepts a post outside of our normal daily travelling distance definition of 1 or 1.5 hours can apply for a workforce management redeployment package. This can help with excess travel time and additional childcare costs in addition to excess fares. If a post is available within daily travelling distance, it is normally expected that staff will take that post to protect the use of public funds.

Motability

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the regulation of the Motability scheme; and whether he has plans to improve its regulation.

Maria Miller: The Department works closely with Motability but it is an independent charity and is wholly responsible for the administration of the Motability scheme.
	The Department for Work and Pensions regularly meets with Motability to discuss the performance of the Specialised Vehicles Fund, which Motability administers on its behalf, and to discuss the Motability scheme more generally. These discussions are helpful to both parties in order to ensure that the scheme gives personal mobility on terms which represent value for money and meet the needs of disabled people.

Social Security Benefits

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the (a) number of households and (b) households as a proportion of the working-age-out-of-work benefit caseload who will be affected by the introduction of his proposed overall benefit cap in each region.

Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available as sample sizes are too small to yield reliable results for areas smaller than the overall impacts for Great Britain.
	However, as we have stated in our impact assessment, if the benefit cap were applied in full, we estimate that around 50,000 households in Great Britain will have their benefits reduced by the policy. This is roughly 1% of the out-of-work benefit caseload. Households whose benefit is reduced as a result of the cap on total benefit income will lose on average around £93 per week.

Social Security Benefits

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the (a) number of households in London whose total welfare benefits income exceeds the average take-home earnings of London working households and (b) proportion of such households represent of the working-age-out-of-work benefit caseload in London.

Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available, as sample sizes are too small to yield reliable results on the number of households in London whose total welfare benefits income exceeds the average take-home earnings of London working households.

Social Security Benefits

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  if he will publish his Department's modelling assumptions on the potential effects of (a) the overall benefit cap and (b) restrictions on housing benefit on homelessness and housing need;
	(2)  if he will publish the modelling assumptions underpinning his Department's estimate of (a) the number of homelessness applications as a consequence of the overall benefit cap and (b) the number of homelessness applications as a result of housing benefit restrictions.

Chris Grayling: We have published impact assessments and equality impact assessments on the DWP website for the introduction of the benefit cap and the changes we are making to housing benefit. The dates for the relevant publications are 16 February 2011 for the introduction of the benefit cap, changes related to the under-occupation of social housing, uprating local housing allowance by the consumer price index and for non-dependant deduction reforms and 9 May 2011 for the changes in the shared accommodation rate.
	However these assessments do not contain an estimate of the impact on homelessness as we cannot anticipate the behaviours of tenants or their landlords.

Unemployed People: Public Transport

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 15 June 2011, Official Report, column 823W, on unemployed people: public transport, whether information related to the Flexible Support Fund is available in hard copy in each Jobcentre Plus office.

Chris Grayling: Jobcentre Plus advisers are the gateway to the information and support available for customers. The range of leaflets provided by the Department aims to provide broad information on the main benefits and services available. The leaflets are kept as concise as possible and written in plain English so that most people can quickly find what they want and understand the information. The leaflets cannot attempt to provide information on all circumstances. As the help provided to jobseekers is tailored to meet individual needs and depends upon a number of factors, it is impossible to provide concise and accurate information on all the help available. For a jobseeker this information would be provided by a member of staff in Jobcentre Plus. Information on travel to interview support is available in the leaflet ‘Help with job interviews’, DWP 1016, and this is available on request in Jobcentre Plus offices.
	The Department has recently revised the main information leaflet suite and now has six brief signposting leaflets covering the main life events such as finding a job. People requiring more information can either go online to Directgov or ask at a Jobcentre Plus office for a further leaflet. This approach aims to encourage people to go online for information and reduce the overall cost of producing departmental leaflets.

Work Capability Assessment: Autism

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made on the possibility of allowing people with autistic spectrum disorders to bring a carer or advocate to assessments where they wish to do so.

Maria Miller: Individuals claiming employment and support allowance will undergo a work capability assessment (WCA). Everyone who attends a face-to-face assessment as part of this process, including those with autistic spectrum disorders, is encouraged to bring a relative, carer or advocate with them to their assessment.
	Following the Independent Review of the WCA by Professor Harrington we have made improvements so that claimants better understand the process, including their right to bring someone with them to an assessment. Atos Healthcare have also published a Customer Charter which encourages individuals to
	“bring a relative, carer or friend along to the assessment if you would find it helpful.”
	The claims and assessment processes for personal independence payment are still being developed and we intend to follow a similar process, learning from the Harrington Review findings. Individuals will be able and encouraged to bring a relative, friend, carer or advocate with them for their face-to-face consultations as part of the assessment for the benefit.

DEFENCE

Military Decorations

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effects of the 2006 decision to allow eligible veterans to receive the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal but not to allow it to be worn; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: An ongoing review of the rules governing the award of medals is considering the principles which underpin these rules. In doing so, appropriate consideration will be given to how the rules have been applied to past decisions on medals, including the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal. We are currently considering the views of a number of campaign groups, including the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Veterans Association.

Armed Forces

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what plans he has to standardise harmony guidelines for each branch of the armed forces;
	(2)  when his Department will publish its Force Generation Review.

Andrew Robathan: The Force Generation Review is considering a wide range of factors including tour lengths and harmony guidelines; this work is ongoing.

Armed Forces: Deployment

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel were (a) unaccompanied and (b) accompanied on service in the latest period for which figures are available.

Andrew Robathan: As at 6 July 2011, 125,460 service personnel were recorded as being unaccompanied, and 62,010 as accompanied on service.

Armed Forces: Housing

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Member for Coventry South of 4 July 2011, Official Report, columns 1214-15, on accommodation costs, 
	(1)  what definition his Department uses for entitled service personnel;
	(2)  what the rank was of each recipient of accommodation;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the average annual rent paid by his Department for accommodation properties.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 7 July 2011
	A summary of all entitled and eligible Service and civilian personnel can be found in the Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, published as Joint Service Publication 464. The relevant section, part 1, chapter 11, annex A, will be placed in the Library of the House.
	In 2010-11 the Ministry of Defence spent an average annual rent of some £4,600 on accommodation properties in the UK.
	Current records show the following breakdown of occupants of service family accommodation (SFA) and substitute SFA in London, by rank. There are some properties where no rank is recorded. Similar information on occupants of single living accommodation and substitute service single accommodation (SSSA) is not held centrally.
	
		
			 Rank Total 
			 Able Seaman 9 
			 Air Commodore 8 
			 Air Chief Marshal 1 
			 Admiral 1 
			 Air Marshal 1 
			 Air Vice Marshal 1 
			 Bombardier 4 
			 Brigadier 17 
			 Captain 93 
			 Captain RN 8 
			 Commander 26 
			 Commodore 2 
			 Craftsman 12 
			 Corporal of the Horse 36 
			 Colonel 36 
			 Corporal 238 
			 Chief Petty Officer 12 
			 Colour Sergeant 21 
			 Chief Technician 7 
			 Drummer 4 
			 Flying Officer 6 
			 Flight Lieutenant 36 
			 Flight Sergeant 19 
			 Fusilier 6 
			 Group Captain 16 
			 Guardsman 136 
			 General 5 
			 Gunner 15 
			 Leading Aircraftsman 8 
			 Lance Bombardier 7 
			 Lance Corporal of the Horse 69 
			 Lance Corporal 247 
			 Leading Diver 11 
			 Lance Sergeant 64 
			 Lieutenant 22 
			 Lieutenant Commander 45 
			 Lieutenant Colonel 111 
			 Major General 5 
			 Major 229 
			 Musician 18 
			 NATO Officer 1 
			 Officer Cadet 1 
		
	
	
		
			 Pilot Officer 2 
			 Petty Officer 13 
			 Private 171 
			 Rear Admiral 2 
			 Reverend 1 
			 Squadron Leader 85 
			 Sub-Lieutenant 1 
			 Senior Aircraftsman 69 
			 Staff Corporal 11 
			 Student Bandmaster 2 
			 Signaller 1 
			 Sergeant 195 
			 Sapper 1 
			 Staff Sergeant 45 
			 Trooper 86 
			 Vice Admiral 1 
			 Wing Commander 54 
			 Warrant Officer 17 
			 Warrant Officer Class 1 49 
			 Warrant Officer Class 2 59

Armed Forces: Housing

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) constituency and (b) local authority is of each site of (i) service families accommodation and (ii) single living accommodation of 100 or more units.

Andrew Robathan: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Armed Forces: Injuries

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2011, Official Report, column 299W, on armed forces: injuries, whether he has any plans to publish the results of any of the current collaborative research with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; and if so which areas he will publish.

Andrew Robathan: Wherever possible, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) publishes, often in collaboration with the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham, the results of its research programme in open scientific peer-reviewed journals.
	This is done to ensure that the advances made can be utilised both in military and civilian scenarios.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the timetable is for delivery of the second batch of light patrol protected vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: A decision on the second tranche will be made in due course and announced to the House in the usual way.

Army: Manpower

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any plans to reduce the size of the Army after 2015.

Andrew Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 4 July 2011, Official Report, column 1222, by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox).

Chief Coroner

Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what evidence his Department holds on the financial effects on his Department in each of the next five years of appointing a Chief Coroner with the functions provided for by the Coroner and Justice Act 2009;
	(2)  whether his Department has carried out (a) a cost-benefit analysis and (b) an impact assessment in relation to the introduction of a Chief Coroner, with the functions provided for by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

Andrew Robathan: We hold no evidence on the financial effects of the Chief Coroner on the Ministry of Defence and have not carried out a cost-benefit analysis or impact assessment as the cost of establishing a Chief Coroner would fall to the Ministry of Justice. An impact assessment for Part One of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 was published by the Ministry of Justice in December 2008 and summarised the full costs and benefits of implementing the coroners provisions in the act.

Departmental Dismissal

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officials in his Department were dismissed for under-performance as a result of the procedures arising from his Department’s staff appraisal system in each of the last three years.

Andrew Robathan: The information requested is shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Calendar year Total number of staff dismissed for reasons of performance 
			 2008-09 (1)— 
			 2009-10 10 
			 2010-11 10 
			 (1 )Represents figures of five or below. Note: All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Freedom of Information Requests

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many requests under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department received from (a) hon. Members from each political party and (b) members of the public in each year since the Act's entry into force.

Andrew Robathan: The Ministry of Defence's Freedom of Information statistics do not distinguish between Members of Parliament and the general public. This is because the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is applicant- and motive-blind.

Civilian Manpower

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) support staff in each role in theatre and (b) other civilian staff were employed by his Department on the latest date for which figures are available.

Andrew Robathan: The latest figure for Ministry of Defence civilian staff currently deployed in theatre is 1,172. Of these, 989 are locally employed civilians (LECs) and 183 are in support of Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. These are broken down as follows, with figures for 2010 shown for comparison:
	
		
			  Staff numbers 
			 Role 2010 2011 
			 Civil Secretary 1 1 
			 Deputy Civil Secretary 2 2 
			 Policy Adviser 7 3 
			 Defence Adviser 8 10 
			 Commercial Officer 6 5 
			 Finance Officer 9 8 
			 Media Adviser 1 2 
			 Operational Analyst 6 11 
			 Scientific Adviser 4 4 
			 Fire Officer 1 1 
			 Ministry of Defence Police 20 24 
			 Area Claims Officer 2 1 
			 NHS Nurse 2 0 
			 Archivist 2 0 
			 Graphics Officer 1 1 
			 Defence Estates Project Manager 4 3 
			 Defence Support (DSG) 30 92 
			 Locally Employed Civilians (LECs) 850 989 
			 Supply Chain Staff n/a 14 
			 Deployments Manager n/a 1 
			 Total UK civil servants 106 183 
		
	
	The total number of civilian staff employed by the MOD in April 2011 including LECs and those listed above was 87,060 (83,060 full-time equivalent) compared to 89,970 (85,590 full-time equivalent) in 2010.

Departmental Written Questions

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many questions for written answer on a named day his Department has answered (a) substantively on the day named, (b) with a holding answer followed by a substantive answer and (c) with a holding answer only since June 2010.

Andrew Robathan: The Ministry of Defence received 1,057 questions for written answer on a named day between 1 June 2010 and 6 July 2011. Of these, 601 were answered substantively on the day named; 449 were answered with a holding answer followed by a substantive answer; and seven have been answered with a holding answer only.

Indirect Fire Precision Attack Programme

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what recent progress his Department has made on the Indirect Fire Precision Attack programme; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the total cost of the Indirect Fire Precision Attack programme;
	(3)  how many munitions will be supplied to the armed forces under the Indirect Fire Precision Attack programme.

Peter Luff: The fire shadow loitering munition project is the current focus of the Indirect Fire Precision Attack (IFPA) programme. The project is progressing well through the demonstration and manufacture phase and is on track to deliver a deployable capability in 2012. We already know that there is interest in this capability from other nations and we are pursuing export opportunities as part of the wider complex weapons initiative in support of driving down future costs.
	The wider IFPA programme is in the assessment phase; this will establish the type and numbers of munitions required and the associated costs. The broad cost of the first phase of the fire shadow loitering munition programme, including concept, assessment, demonstration and initial manufacture, is forecast to be some £200 million.
	Information relating to future fire shadow loitering munition stock levels is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and because its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Joint Services Command and Staff College

Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the current intake at the Joint Services Command and Staff College are from the (a) Army, (b) RAF and (c) Royal Navy.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 27 June 2011
	As at 27 June 2011, the Joint Services Command and Staff College have the following UK military students on courses with them:
	
		
			 Course Royal Navy (1) Army RAF 
			 Advanced Command and Staff Course 58 72 63 
			 Intermediate Command and Staff Courses 53 145 55 
			 Total 111 217 118 
			 (1) This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Merlin Helicopters

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what recent progress his Department has made on the Merlin upgrade programme; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent estimate he has made of the costs of the Merlin upgrade programme;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of how many Merlin helicopters will be upgraded as part of the Merlin upgrade programme.

Peter Luff: The Merlin capability sustainment programme, which aims to sustain the Merlin Mk1 capability to 2029, remains on track and is currently in the demonstration and manufacture phase. The expected cost of this programme is £843 million. This programme will deliver 30 MK2 standard aircraft.
	The Merlin Mk3/3a Life Sustainment Programme is still being developed. The content, value and time-scales cannot be confirmed until the main investment decision is made.

Military Aircraft: Nuclear Installations

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what near miss incidents involving RAF aircraft and UK nuclear installations have been reported to his Department in each year since May 2004; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report on each such incident.

Andrew Robathan: Since May 2004 there have been two incidents of RAF aircraft entering the restricted airspace imposed around nuclear installations, these are shown in the following table. These incidents were investigated and neither were assessed to present a risk to the installation. I will place copies of the reports into each of these incidents, with appropriate redactions, in the Library of the House.
	
		
			 Date Nuclear installation Closest approach 
			 8 October 2004 Sellafield Nuclear Power Station 1.5 nautical miles (lateral) 
			 12 August 2008 Harwell Nuclear Facility 1 nautical mile (lateral)

Military Bases

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) constituency and (b) local authority is of each (i) base, (ii) garrison and (iii) barracks of each of the armed services in (A) England and (B) Wales.

Andrew Robathan: A list of Ministry of Defence bases, garrisons and barracks in England and Wales, arranged by parliamentary constituency, will be placed in the Library of the House.
	Breakdown by local authority is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Military Bases

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 21W, on military bases, what 
	(1)  monetary values were given to (a) the salaries of US and UK personnel, (b) the cost of construction projects, (c) utilities, (d) local supply purchases, (e) visitor lodging, (f) meals and incidentals and (g) other elements considered in the local economic impact assessment of RAF Menwith Hill;
	(2)  calculation was made to arrive at the overall figure for the economic impact at RAF Menwith Hill.

Andrew Robathan: The following table shows the monetary value given to each category upon which the overall economic assessment was based; a conversion rate of $1.6943 equals £1 was used.
	
		
			 £ million 
			  Financial year 
			  2010 2011 
			 US Salaries 84.6 86.2 
			 UK Salaries 29 29.7 
			 Construction 32.8 9.1 
			 Utilities 5.5 6.7 
			 Local Supplies 5.5 5.6 
			 Visitors1 6.1 6.4 
			 Total 163.5 143.7 
			 (1 )Totals are based on the standard daily allowance rate. 
		
	
	US authorities at RAF Menwith Hill calculate the overall figure for the economic impact of the establishment was based on the salaries of US and UK personnel, construction costs, payments for utilities, local supplies and visitors.

Rescue Services: Helicopters

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the total cost of the search and rescue helicopter project.

Peter Luff: The total future cost of the joint Ministry of Defence/Department for Transport Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter project has previously been estimated as approximately £7 billion over some 25 years. Following the cancellation, in February 2011, of the previous procurement process due to contract irregularities, we are considering the potential procurement options to meet the future requirements for SAR helicopters in the United Kingdom and we will make a further announcement once a way forward has been agreed.

Reserve Forces

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the review of reserve forces will be published prior to 20 July.

Andrew Robathan: No firm date for publication has been set.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary will continue to operate a fleet of supply and support vessels scaled to meet the Navy's requirements. We are taking forward the findings of the value for money review of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary which were announced in the debate by the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), on 6 December 2010, Official Report, columns 137-46. Under the military afloat reach and sustainability programme we plan to begin replacing the existing single-hulled tankers and solid support ships with new ships later this decade.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills regarding arms export licences to Saudi Arabia.

Andrew Robathan: There have been no discussions between the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), on export licensing for Saudi Arabia.

Trident

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2011, Official Report, column 675W, on Trident, whether he has assessed options for an alternative to the replacement of Trident that would provide an equivalent level of deterrence.

Andrew Robathan: The 2006 White Paper ‘The Future of the United Kingdom's Nuclear Deterrent’ (Cm 6994) set out the results of a fundamental analysis of options for any successor deterrent system. This work concluded that a minimum nuclear deterrent based on a new generation of ballistic missile-carrying submarines operating a continuous at sea deterrence posture was right for the UK. As set out in the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (Cm 7948), and as the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), reiterated in his statement to the House on 18 May 2011, Official Report, columns 351-353, this remains Government policy.
	As the Secretary of State for Defence explained in his answer of 28 June 2011, the study to assist the Liberal Democrats in making the case for alternatives will review the costs, feasibility and credibility of alternative platforms, alternative delivery systems and alternative postures.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the MQ-9 Reaper or any other form of UK drone has been used in Pakistan airspace by UK forces; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: No UK Reaper remotely piloted air systems or unmanned air systems have been used in Pakistani airspace by UK forces.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has made a response to each of the questions raised in Chapter 5, ‘Moral and Ethical Issues’, in the Joint Doctrine Note 2/11, “The UK Approach to Unmanned Aircraft Systems”, of 30 March 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The Ministry of Defence operates to the highest legal, moral and ethical standards. Joint Doctrine Note 2/11 (JDN 2/11) recognises that we must continue to observe these high standards when employing new technology, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), to achieve our defence objectives.
	As stated in its preface, JDN 2/11 seeks to consider how UAS may contribute to the UK's future defence and security needs. Its purpose is to identify the issues that should be addressed if such systems are to be successfully developed and integrated into future operations. It does not describe agreed policy but rather seeks to energise debate within the UK to inform policy development; the Ministry of Defence welcomes and encourages that debate and the opportunity to contribute fully to it.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) insurgents and (b) civilians have been killed as a result of UK unmanned aircraft and armed drone missions in each year since such craft were first used; by what mechanism such civilian deaths and injuries are monitored; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The Ministry of Defence does not hold a comprehensive record of figures for insurgent or civilian casualties in Afghanistan, because of the immense difficulty and risks that would be involved in collecting robust data.
	Any incident involving civilian casualties is a matter of deep regret and we take every possible measure to avoid such incidents. There are strict procedures, frequently updated in light of experience, intended to both minimise the risk of casualties occurring and to investigate incidents that do happen.

USA: Defence Academy

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2011, Official Report, columns 835-6W, on USA: Defence Academy, what the (a) itinerary and (b) dates were of the visit; whether the students travelled by scheduled flights; and how many students travelled in (a) economy and (b) standard business class.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 6 July 2011
	The Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy itinerary to the USA, including dates of the visit, was as follows:
	2 June 2011—advance party of personnel travel out to the USA.
	4 June 2011—half the students and staff travel out to Washington DC.
	5 June 2011—rest of the students and staff travel out to Washington DC.
	6 June 2011—briefings in Washington. Course departs for Naval Station Norfolk Virginia, via coach.
	7 June 2011—briefings received.
	8 June 2011—travelled to Marine Corps Base Quantico Virginia, via coach. Briefings received. Travel back to Washington—via coach.
	9 June 2011—briefings in Washington.
	10 June 2011—half the students and staff travel back to the UK.
	11 June 2011—rest of students and staff travel back to the UK.
	All the students travelled via the Washington trooper flight, economy class.

Wales

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits Ministers and staff of his Department have made to defence establishments in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire since 2008.

Andrew Robathan: Information on visits by staff for the whole period, and information on ministerial visits prior to May 2010, are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. No Defence Minister has visited Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire since May 2010.

X-rays

Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on storing radiology records in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) 2009 and (e) 2010.

Andrew Robathan: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Devolution: Wales

Roger Williams: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Wales on the remit of the proposed commission on devolution and funding for Wales.

Nicholas Clegg: I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Wales, the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), about a range of issues, including the scope of the work of the proposed commission.

House of Lords: Reform

Paul Murphy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to consult the public about reform of the House of Lords.

Mark Harper: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 379W, to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop).

Prisoners: Voting Rights

Priti Patel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answers of 30 June 2011, Official Report, column 930W, on legal aid and prisoners: voting rights, 
	(1)  whether he plans to bring forward proposals to amend existing legislation in order to extend the franchise to prisoners;
	(2)  whether he has seen draft versions of legislative proposals to extend voting rights to prisoners; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  in which month he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to extend the franchise to prisoners;
	(4)  what legislative options he has considered using to extend the franchise to prisoners.

Mark Harper: The Government are considering the next steps in relation to prisoner voting rights and the 11 October deadline set by the European Court of Human Rights to bring forward legislative proposals. I will inform the House when decisions on the way forward have been reached. The Prime Minister has said that the Government will make sure that any legislative proposals are as close as possible to the decision of the House of Commons earlier this year.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Affordable Housing

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the introduction of the overall benefit cap on the number of new affordable rent units to be constructed by 2015.

Grant Shapps: The Department published an Impact Assessment for Affordable Rent in June 2011:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/rentimpactassessment
	This analysis takes into account both the overall benefit cap and the flexibilities provided to housing providers to shape their development programmes to local circumstances.
	The central scenario in the impact assessment suggests that it is possible for housing providers to deliver 56,000 new affordable rent and affordable home ownership properties (towards the Government's overall ambition of up to 150,000 new affordable homes) between 2011 and 2015, alongside the introduction of the benefit cap.
	The Homes and Communities Agency has now received bids for funding from housing providers. These have exceeded our original expectations and we are on track to deliver our ambition of up to 150,000 new affordable homes including family homes.

Business Premises: Leasehold

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he has assessed the effect of the provisions of the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Act 2002 in respect of commercial properties on the management of an estate where commercial property benefits from the right to enfranchise.

Grant Shapps: Tenants (leaseholders) of commercial properties do not have the right to enfranchise under residential leasehold legislation.
	Under the “Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002”, however, where leasehold houses on an estate are subject to a business lease, the leaseholders may—provided they meet certain qualifying criteria—qualify for enfranchisement. These include the term of the original business lease exceeding 35 years, and the leaseholder occupying the house as their only or main residence for the last two years, or periods amounting to two years in the last 10.
	Enfranchisement in these circumstances could result in changes to the management of an estate. No assessment has been made in England of the effects of the introduction of these criteria.

Council Tax: Exemptions

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will examine rules on council tax exemption under which new owners cannot apply for exemption on unoccupied and unfurnished properties if the same property was exempt under previous ownership.

Bob Neill: The council tax exemption for unoccupied and unfurnished properties applies to the property not the owner. However, local authorities can set a discount on such property between 50% and 0% in the circumstances set out in the question.

Council Tax: Overpayments

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what interest rate the Valuation Office Agency has used for the calculation of compound interest foregone through the overpayment of council tax in each of the last 20 years; and what factors determined the rate set in each case;
	(2)  what the policy is of the Valuation Office Agency on compensation payments made in lieu of lost interest on overpaid council tax; on what date that policy was adopted; and whom the Agency consulted on the change from the previous policy.

Bob Neill: Local authorities are responsible for paying (a) overpayments of council tax. There is no legal provision for (b) interest lost due to overpayment to be paid by the Valuation Office Agency.
	The Valuation Office will consider making an ex gratia payment in cases where it has caused a serious error or delay in reviewing the council tax band of a property.
	Since January 2011 the Valuation Office Agency's policy has changed and it no longer makes payments in lieu of lost interest.
	The following table shows the interest rates the Valuation Office Agency used, prior to January 2011, in the calculation of payments in lieu of lost interest since council tax was introduced. The level of interest is based on levels used by billing authorities in the calculations used for non-domestic rates refunds.
	
		
			  Interest rate (percentage) 
			 1993-94 5.00 
			 1994-95 4.25 
			 1995-96 5.75 
			 1996-97 5.00 
			 1997-98 5.00 
			 1998-99 6.25 
			 1999-2000 4.50 
			 2000-01 5.00 
			 2001-02 4.75 
			 2002-03 3.00 
			 2003-04 2.75 
		
	
	
		
			 2004-05 3.00 
			 2005-06 3.75 
			 2006-07 3.50 ¦ 
			 2007-08 4.25 
			 2008-09 4.25 
			 2009-10 0 
			 2010-11 0

Departmental Regulation

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2011, Official Report, columns 911-2W, what regulations his Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked between 9 and 28 February 2011.

Bob Neill: holding answer 17 June 2011
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 22 March 2011, Official Report, columns 911-12W and the associated table which has been placed in the Library of the House.

Enterprise Zones

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he expects to announce his decision on the current round of bids for local enterprise zones.

Greg Clark: The competition for a further 10 enterprise zones closed on 30 June.
	We will announce decisions on the second wave of enterprise zones following the consideration of bids later in the summer.

Government Procurement Card

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) date of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction undertaken by his Department using the Government Procurement Card in (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08.

Bob Neill: The details of Government Procurement Card transactions for (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2008-09 have been deposited in the Library of the House. They include (a) date of purchase, (b) amount and (c) supplier. Level 3 (d) or enhanced transaction details are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Each transaction does have a merchant category which is a broad description of the type of goods purchased.
	My Department is committed to greater transparency over the use of the Government Procurement Card than under the last Administration, and has strengthened checks and balances to ensure protection of taxpayers' money.

Government Procurement Card

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) date of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction undertaken by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister using the Government Procurement Card during the period it existed as a Government Department.

Bob Neill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) became a separate Department in May 2002 and existed until May 2006 when it was reformed as the Department of Communities and Local Government.
	Confirmation and checking of Government Procurement Card records for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, when it existed as a Government Department, could be accomplished only at disproportionate cost.
	Government Procurement Card records exist from April 2004 but during the time that ODPM existed as a separate department they were contaminated by compromised (cloned) Government Procurement Cards. This was investigated and resolved at the time (with no suggestion of internal fraud) but with the passage of time preparing these figures for publication could be accomplished only at disproportionate cost as it would involve checking over 4,000 lines of data.

Government Procurement Card

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) date of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction undertaken by each of the Government Offices for the Regions using the Government Procurement Card between 2007-08 and 2009-10.

Bob Neill: The details of Government Procurement Card transactions undertaken by the Government Office Network for financial years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 have been deposited in the Library of the House. They include (a) date of purchase, (b)amount and (c) supplier. Level 3 (d) or enhanced transaction details are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Each transaction does have a merchant category which is a broad description of the type of goods purchased.
	A breakdown for each individual Government office could only be accomplished at disproportionate cost.
	The abolition of the Government offices was announced in the coalition Government's spending review in October 2010. The network closed at the end of March 2011. Functions formerly undertaken by the network have now ceased, with the exception of a small number which transferred elsewhere.
	These changes are expected to deliver up to £200 million in savings over the spending review.
	My Department is committed to greater transparency over the use of the Government Procurement Card than under the last Administration, and has strengthened checks and balances to ensure protection of taxpayers' money.

Government Procurement Card

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to promote transparency in the use of the Government Procurement Card by (a) local authorities and (b) his Department.

Bob Neill: All principal local authorities in England, except Nottingham city council, are now publishing online their expenditure over £500. This should include Government Procurement Card transactions, identifying the underlying supplier. The ‘Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency’, currently in draft, will put transparency on a statutory footing.
	DCLG has been routinely publishing Government Procurement Card transactions, including the underlying suppliers, for all transactions over £500 on its website since February 2011 and they can be found at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/transparencyingovernment/spenddata/
	My Department has also published a detailed breakdown of every single Government Procurement transaction (not just those over £500) for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsstories/newsroom/1914205
	While the card's use can reduce administrative costs of purchasing items, Sir Philip Green's report into Government efficiency last year identified the need for greater checks and balances into the use of the Government Procurement Card. Ministers believe that online transparency will help identify and prevent wasteful spending and help improve procurement efficiency. There is a powerful public interest for past and present spending data to be made public by local authorities, and we would recommend councils consider the case for proactive disclosure.

Green Belt

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if his Department has any plans to alter planning rules for development in green belt land.

Bob Neill: The coalition agreement commits the Government to maintaining green belt protection. The green belt has a valuable role in stopping urban sprawl and providing a green lung around towns and cities. National policy on green belt protection—currently explained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 2, ‘Green Belts’—will be updated as part of the National Planning Policy Framework. We will consult on the framework shortly. However, through the Localism Bill we will be abolishing regional strategies. This will remove ‘top down' pressure to weaken green belt protection. Our revision to planning guidance on travellers, currently out to consultation, also looks to strengthen protection of the green belt.

Homelessness

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what letters he or his officials have sent to Ministers or officials in the Department for Work and Pensions on his Department's assessment of the (a) number of households likely to present as homeless as a consequence of the overall benefit cap in the 12 months following its introduction and (b) resultant likely costs to local authorities.

Grant Shapps: Ministers and officials from the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions are in regular correspondence on a range of matters. I refer the right hon. Member to the recent letter to her from the Secretary of State, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

Housing: Repossession

Louise Mensch: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans his Department has to minimise the number of repossessions of domestic homes during periods of slow economic growth.

Grant Shapps: The Government are helping homeowners in difficulty by tackling the record deficit to prevent a rapid increase in interest rates hitting struggling households.
	The Government are committed to working closely with lenders, debt advice agencies and local authorities to ensure that repossession is only ever a last resort and that effective help and advice for homeowners at risk of repossession is available. The Government “Mortgage Help” website outlines the options available to households.

Housing Strategy

Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when his Department will publish the forthcoming Housing Strategy; and what plans he has to stimulate the development of retirement housing of each tenure.

Grant Shapps: The DCLG Business Plan states the Department will publish a document setting out our overall approach to housing policy by October 2011.
	Current national planning policy for housing makes clear that Local Planning Authorities should carry out a Strategic Housing Market Assessment to provide information on the level of needs and demand for housing in their area. The housing requirements of older people should be included in these assessments. Based on the requirements identified, authorities should develop policies and implementation strategies to ensure that sufficient, suitable land is made available to achieve their housing objectives. Clear local housing policies can encourage developers to bring forward proposals for housing which reflect market demand and the needs of different households.
	The forthcoming National Planning Policy Framework consultation will cover all forms of development. This will include policy on planning for housing.

Housing: Construction

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will estimate the number of apprenticeships to be created by his new homes programme if contractors developing such homes were required to take on one apprentice for every £1 million worth of construction undertaken.

Grant Shapps: It would not be appropriate to make an estimate on this basis. No national target has been set for apprenticeships; nor have the Government prescribed a particular approach. Top-down targets create additional burdens and bureaucracy on business.
	Experience shows that delivery partners with a positive delivery record on employment and skills have developed a variety of approaches that work according to local circumstances.

Private Rented Housing

Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to support families with children in accessing the private rented sector.

Andrew Stunell: Figures drawn from the most recent English Housing Survey (published on 5 July 2011), show that 30% of households in the private rented sector are families with dependent children. This compares with 32% in the social rented sector and 27% of owner occupiers. These percentages suggest that the private rented sector already performs an important role in housing families. The Government have sought to ensure that continues to be the case by minimising burdens on the sector which might inhibit its growth while underlining our commitment to ensuring that the existing legislative framework continues to offer proper protections to those with privately rented homes.
	Where a family is unable to find accommodation in their area, they can go for help to their local authority will be able to offer support and, where they are, which found to be unintentionally homeless, will be under a duty to find them suitable accommodation.

Social Rented Housing

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what information he holds on the length of local residence required by each local authority in England for the purposes of determining eligibility for social housing;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of local authorities intending to increase the length of local residence as a qualification for access to social housing.

Andrew Stunell: Under the current allocation legislation, local authorities may not take local residence into account for the purposes of determining eligibility for social housing. However, they may take into account whether an applicant has a local connection with their district when determining priorities for social housing and many authorities do so.
	The changes to the allocation legislation in the Localism Bill will give local authorities the power to determine who does or does not qualify for social housing in their district. This would allow local authorities to set residency criteria in future.
	Around two-thirds of local authorities that responded to the consultation on social housing reform (‘Local decisions: a fairer future for social housing’, November 2010) welcomed the increased flexibility to set restrictive qualification criteria. Many of those considering introducing a restricted housing waiting list indicated that they would impose some form of local residency criteria.
	The rules determining which categories of foreign nationals are eligible for social housing will continue to be set by central Government.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcoholic Drinks: Prices

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment her Department has made of the effects on alcohol sales of the introduction of her proposed minimum pricing.

Theresa May: holding answer 27 June 2011
	Banning the sale of alcohol below the floor price of duty plus VAT is an important step that will tackle the worst instances of deep discounting.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) police officers and (b) other staff of Cambridgeshire police have been transferred to work in the police investigation centre near Kings Lynn since its opening.

Nick Herbert: The requested information is not collected centrally.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much Cambridgeshire police has spent under each budgetary heading on the police investigation centre near Kings Lynn in each of the last three years.

Nick Herbert: Information about the amount of money spent by Cambridgeshire police to use the facilities at King's Lynn PIC is not collected centrally.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the minimum number of arrested persons from Cambridgeshire is required to be processed through the police investigation centre near King's Lynn under the private finance initiative contract.

Lynne Featherstone: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre

Steven Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she plans to take to ensure that the restructuring of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre results in better service and greater efficiency.

James Brokenshire: In moving the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) into the National Crime Agency (NCA), we will ensure that CEOP:
	retains its operational independence, within the context of the NCA;
	has clear delegated authority for its budget;
	governance continues to include external partners;
	retains its well-known brand;
	retains its mixed economy of staff, from a variety of disciplines; and
	continues its innovative partnerships with the public, private and third sector and has the ability to raise and hold funds from donors.
	CEOP will have the advantage of being able to work closely with other commands to ensure that children are protected. Shared intelligence across the NCA will highlight more easily where child exploitation and abuse links to other forms of serious organised criminality and shared enforcement resources will enable more wide-ranging and effective operations.

Control Orders

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in respect of how many people with control orders in force her Department has no record of their present location.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 27 June 2011
	The Home Office is aware of the present location of all the individuals against whom control orders are currently in force.

Control Orders

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people tried and acquitted of one or more charges related to terrorism offences have subsequently been subject to a control order.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 27 June 2011
	All of the individuals currently subject to a control order, and most of those who have ever been subject to a control order, are subject to a court-imposed anonymity order. This prevents the publication of information that would identify, or would tend to identify, an individual as being subject to a control order. Any changes to the number of individuals who have been subject to a control order subsequent to being acquitted of any terrorism offences, together with information in the public domain regarding the outcome of criminal trials, would tend to breach the court imposed anonymity order. It is therefore not possible to provide this information.
	We can confirm, however, that control orders have been made against individuals who have previously been acquitted of terrorism-related offences.
	The issue of making a control order against a person who has been subject to a previous criminal prosecution has been considered by the courts. The courts have found that a control order is addressed to future risk and serves an entirely different purpose to the criminal process.

Crime and Security Act 2010

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which sections of the Crime and Security Act 2010 she plans not to implement.

Theresa May: holding answer 27 June 2011
	The Home Office has no plans to implement the following sections of the Crime and Security Act 2010: 6(2), 14, 16 - 23, 40, 41, 42, 44, 55 and 56. On the issues these measures related to, the Government are taking forward their policies in new legislation or through consultation.
	Sections 8 to 13 and 15 are now the devolved responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department of Justice.

Crimes of Violence: Females

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role local domestic and sexual abuse co-ordinators will play in the implementation of the Government's strategy on violence against women and children.

Lynne Featherstone: Local domestic and sexual abuse co-ordinators provide an important local strategic lead on this issue, linking statutory and voluntary partner agencies and promoting and improving multi-agency approaches to tackling sexual and domestic violence.

Criminal Records

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the level of outstanding Criminal Records Bureau checks to be processed by the Metropolitan Police.

Lynne Featherstone: The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) currently has a workload of approximately 30,000 cases in progress, which equates to about 26 days activity. There have been significant improvements in performance in recent months resulting from the implementation of action plans, which have reduced the workload and the number of outstanding cases at the force. The MPS and the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) will continue to work together to reduce the outstanding work in coming months.

Domestic Violence

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) high and (b) medium-risk domestic abuse victims there were in (i) Oxford West and Abingdon constituency, (ii) Oxfordshire and (iii) England and Wales in the latest period for which figures are available.

Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office does not collect information on the number of high or medium risk victims of domestic abuse in individual areas.

Domestic Violence

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to place multi-agency risk assessment conferences on the same statutory basis as multi-agency public protection arrangements.

Lynne Featherstone: There are no current plans to place multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC) on the same statutory basis as multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA).

Fixed Penalties

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices were issued for (a) noise, (b) seat belt, (c) obstruction, waiting and parking, (d) speed limit and (e) hand-held use of mobile telephones offences in each police authority area in each of the last three years.

Nick Herbert: Available data from 2007 to 2009 (latest published data) are provided in the following tables.
	Data for 2010 are scheduled for publication in April 2012.
	
		
			 Number of substantive fixed penalty notices issued for various offences, by police force area, England and Wales 2007-09 
			  Offence description 
			  Noise offences Seat belt offences Speed limit offences 
			 Police force area 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 
			 Avon and Somerset 30 57 64 2,544 1,928 1,919 57,746 53,069 54,165 
			 Bedfordshire 10 27 10 3,759 3,187 1,895 30,029 19,884 14,289 
			 Cambridgeshire 53 25 18 4,341 4,382 3,186 25,371 22,548 14,401 
			 Cheshire 24 29 66 4,229 4,382 4,174 26,992 23,032 21,043 
			 Cleveland 10 7 8 2,234 1,896 2,180 13,951 11,017 8,687 
			 Cumbria 32 62 36 2,905 2,165 2,296 29,096 30,774 20,366 
			 Derbyshire 11 7 17 4,283 6,314 2,170 22,389 16,652 10,756 
			 Devon and Cornwall 127 81 233 3,694 3,404 3,567 62,549 49,234 39,426 
			 Dorset 15 19 14 1,575 1,560 2,368 36,900 26,086 23,050 
			 Durham 13 7 6 1,400 1,427 1,485 3,138 3,531 3,359 
			 Essex 109 95 99 14,723 15,741 15,746 44,796 25,956 30,423 
			 Gloucestershire 9 3 6 1,244 1,149 1,549 9,380 7,547 4,339 
			 Greater Manchester 19 46 243 18,357 19,918 15,699 42,609 37,330 41,817 
			 Hampshire 44 53 73 9,013 8,590 4,781 49,324 36,719 29,460 
			 Hertfordshire 18 12 7 5,513 3,975 3,431 41,593 34,945 29,724 
			 Humberside 31 30 26 3,597 3,792 1,694 34,184 21,993 24,749 
			 Kent 39 72 152 3,312 3,310 5,318 51,438 25,208 25,868 
			 Lancashire 29 19 96 4,442 5,760 8,100 55,167 41,678 34,710 
			 Leicestershire 12 5 4 1,212 1,187 1,202 20,634 15,506 12,899 
			 Lincolnshire 34 37 25 5,146 3,992 2,321 24,849 26,834 18,619 
			 London, City of 4 1 5 306 417 637 2,785 3,082 1,590 
			 Merseyside 23 33 48 14,142 13,333 12,982 26,601 34,894 34,983 
			 Metropolitan Police 108 116 91 14,303 15,291 16,594 73,738 94,955 44,197 
			 Norfolk 21 41 32 1,913 2,114 3,044 24,878 20,359 28,474 
		
	
	
		
			 North Yorkshire 202 77 170 7,532 6,215 4,309 7,748 7,779 8,425 
			 Northamptonshire 13 5 2 1,217 1,347 1,629 49,833 14,716 11,585 
			 Northumbria 34 29 66 4,476 3,173 1,895 38,504 39,410 22,345 
			 Nottinghamshire 13 8 17 2,849 3,735 2,642 34,750 32,975 30,906 
			 South Yorkshire 18 11 20 7,872 6,734 7,465 37,911 8,014 10,526 
			 Staffordshire 18 17 224 4,073 2,870 3,141 31,547 35,269 35,027 
			 Suffolk 75 137 11 4,556 5,846 2,694 30,378 34,678 42,055 
			 Surrey 5 16 16 3,400 2,835 2,213 28,941 27,366 26,401 
			 Sussex(1) 18 14 22 6,441 5,953 5,288 46,832 37,632 29,710 
			 Thames Valley 44 44 32 13,472 13,728 12,408 54,385 53,909 57,781 
			 Warwickshire 10 11 12 1,079 1,080 1,421 27,468 18,794 32,213 
			 West Mercia 124 106 134 6,443 4,558 3,693 54,975 52,109 39,871 
			 West Midlands 41 37 35 6,042 8,678 8,056 45,357 34,620 40,789 
			 West Yorkshire 21 32 28 6,995 7,631 8,675 41,386 37,177 23,612 
			 Wiltshire 13 20 27 2,062 2,269 1,697 36,959 30,338 51,992 
			 England 1,474 1,448 2,195 206,696 205,866 185,564 1,377,111 1,147,619 1,034,632 
			           
			 Dyfed-Powys 14 12 33 1,764 1,462 1,528 10,842 10,746 10,758 
			 Gwent 25 31 37 2,384 2,876 2,709 27,457 10,874 14,625 
			 North Wales 55 80 68 6,723 9,014 9,030 42,537 29,327 27,648 
			 South Wales 27 35 43 2,567 4,744 4,534 40,426 48,453 48,359 
			 Wales 121 158 181 13,438 18,096 17,801 121,262 99,400 101,390 
			           
			 England and Wales 1,595 1,606 2,376 220,134 226,962 203,365 1,473,823 1,247,019 1,136,022 
			           
		
	
	
		
			  Offence description 
			  Obstruction, waiting and parking offences Use of hand-held mobile phone while driving 
			 Police force area 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 
			 Avon and Somerset 12,839 10,379 9,291 1,965 2,013 2,094 
			 Bedfordshire 795 1,042 635 1,383 1,274 1,249 
			 Cambridgeshire 7,198 6,850 4,795 2,189 2,487 1,964 
			 Cheshire 13,891 6,576 2,844 4,055 3,270 3,776 
			 Cleveland 1,091 557 566 1,495 1,151 1,420 
			 Cumbria 525 510 542 978 754 1,081 
			 Derbyshire 4,191 4,172 486 1,921 2,082 1,480 
			 Devon and Cornwall 31,596 9,428 1,738 2,167 2,245 2,860 
			 Dorset 359 294 265 1,924 1,489 1,475 
			 Durham 6,129 4,366 3,222 1,075 933 953 
			 Essex 3,732 2,709 2,310 5,006 6,553 7,971 
			 Gloucestershire 12,133 1,054 880 963 800 1,183 
			 Greater Manchester 3,831 2,854 3,361 8,477 6,274 6,123 
			 Hampshire 4,347 3,006 2,233 5,290 5,152 4,037 
			 Hertfordshire 1,901 2,236 1,701 2,720 3,637 3,793 
			 Humberside 12,597 8,235 7,985 2,417 2,489 2,672 
			 Kent 813 630 849 3,256 3,208 4,597 
			 Lancashire 1,624 2,259 2,398 2,886 3,613 4,827 
			 Leicestershire 4,057 1,519 1,643 1,073 1,071 1,752 
			 Lincolnshire 11,648 11,260 13,876 2,043 2,109 1,626 
			 London, City of 246 266 209 490 551 499 
			 Merseyside 19,232 23,108 18,389 4,547 5,506 6,563 
			 Metropolitan Police 23,018 15,493 11,582 11,399 8,537 7,383 
			 Norfolk 6,283 5,538 6,721 1,196 1,816 2,350 
			 North Yorkshire 5,783 3,693 2,647 2,647 2,333 2,273 
			 Northamptonshire 2,548 1,996 2,403 760 973 1,543 
			 Northumbria 12,905 8,366 6,676 2,701 2,056 2,280 
			 Nottinghamshire 6,425 1,295 492 2,563 2,045 2,178 
			 South Yorkshire 1,544 1,353 1,363 4,217 3,304 3,403 
			 Staffordshire 10,362 3,255 6,165 1,872 1,148 1,747 
		
	
	
		
			 Suffolk 7,009 7,760 1,409 2,733 2,607 795 
			 Surrey 2,198 1,062 1,377 2,781 2,939 2,605 
			 Sussex(1) 34,428 23,335 20,128 2,683 0 3,623 
			 Thames Valley 19,320 15,939 10,493 4,814 5,838 5,629 
			 Warwickshire 7,203 3,210 2,196 1,481 1,487 1,875 
			 West Mercia 3,147 2,022 1,544 3,900 4,314 3,408 
			 West Midlands 20,355 16,968 12,720 5,340 5,373 6,112 
			 West Yorkshire 16,186 12,252 10,726 4,962 4,041 4,708 
			 Wiltshire 1,217 513 403 1,037 1,175 1,256 
			 England 334,706 227,360 179,263 115,406 108,647 117,163 
			        
			 Dyfed-Powys 10,377 11,268 9,711 858 832 1,196 
			 Gwent 17,467 16,760 13,466 1,160 1,174 1,265 
			 North Wales 4,971 2,434 1,516 2,510 2,471 2,757 
			 South Wales 79,298 73,980 60,146 2,122 2,802 3,135 
			 Wales 112,113 104,442 84,839 6,650 7,279 8,353 
			        
			 England and Wales 446,824 331,802 264,102 122,056 115,926 125,516 
			 (1) Figure for mobile phone FPNs for 2008 to be reviewed.

Immigration

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 23 June 2011, Official Report, columns 417-8W, on immigration, what the total cost to the public purse was of cases pursued against the Government on asylum and immigration matters in all stages of the legal process including judicial review in the latest period for which figures are available.

Damian Green: The Home Office (UKBA) prepares its accounts in accordance with UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) adapted for the Public Sector in accordance with guidance issued by HM Treasury.
	The Home Office reports the total amount of legal payments made in its Resource Accounts and for 2009-10 this figure was £33.8 million, as published in the UKBA 2009-10 Annual Report.
	This represents the costs of all payments to solicitors acting on behalf of the UK Border Agency, compensation paid and the payment of claimants’ legal costs awarded by the courts.
	The 2010-11 UKBA accounts are due to be published very soon and figures for 2010-11 will be available at that time.

Offenders: Foreign Nationals

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) asylum seekers and (b) other foreign nationals who have applied for leave to remain were convicted of a criminal offence committed in the UK while their application was pending in each of the last five years; and how many such people were returned to their country of origin following offences committed while their immigration applications were pending.

Damian Green: The following table shows the published figures for number of foreign nationals removed or deported from the UK. Please note that the data for 2006 are not considered to be reliable for publication.
	
		
			  Number of foreign nationals removed or deported from the UK. 
			 2007 4,200 
			 2008 5,400 
			 2009 5,530 
			 2010 5,235 
		
	
	It is not possible to identify from management information systems those who had an application for leave pending at the time they committed a criminal offence. In order to gather this information, the UK Border Agency would have to go through the individual records, which would incur disproportionate cost. However, any applications for leave are considered fully at the same time that deportation is considered prior to an individual’s removal form the UK.

Rape

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what proportion of cases of alleged rape the victim reported the perpetrator to be a stranger in each of the last 10 years.

Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office collects data on the number of rape offences recorded by the police but information on the relationship between the victim and perpetrator are not held centrally.

Stop and Search

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions police have authorised notices under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (a) in each year between 2000 and 2011 and (b) in each (i) police authority area and (ii) in each London local authority area in each year since 2005.

Nick Herbert: The requested data on the number of authorisations to conduct section 60 stops and searches are not collected centrally. The number of stops and searches that are conducted under section 60 by each police force area are, however, collected centrally and the latest data are provided in the table. Statistics relating to police powers and procedures are collected at a police force area level and no data are available at local authority level. These data are published as part of the Home Office Statistical Bulletin Police Powers and Procedures, current and previous copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
	
		
			 Searches of persons or vehicles under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and resultant arrests, England and Wales, 2009-10 
			 Numbers 
			  Stops and searches in anticipation of violence 
			 Police force area Searches Number of persons found to be carrying offensive weapons or dangerous instruments Arrests for offensive weapons Arrests for other reasons 
			 Cleveland 51 2 4 9 
			 Durham 22 4 4 — 
			 Northumbria 272 36 1 30 
			 North East Region 345 42 9 39 
			      
			 Cheshire 59 17 — — 
			 Cumbria 314 4 4 5 
			 Greater Manchester 2,463 4 4 45 
			 Lancashire 3,639 11 11 98 
			 Merseyside 15,811 136 20 459 
			 North West Region 22,286 172 39 607 
			      
			 Humberside 7 — — — 
			 North Yorkshire 6 — — — 
			 South Yorkshire 668 2 1 11 
			 West Yorkshire 314 32 27 8 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber Region 995 34 28 19 
			      
			 — 55 52 1 — 
			 Leicestershire 196 — 12 14 
			 Lincolnshire 58 2 2 5 
			 Northamptonshire 76 5 4 4 
			 Nottinghamshire 366 276 25 1 
			 East Midlands Region 751 335 44 24 
			      
			 Staffordshire — — — — 
			 Warwickshire 657 9 1 2 
			 West Mercia 200 6 3 7 
			 West Midlands 815 1 1 9 
			 West Midlands Region 1,672 16 5 18 
			      
			 Bedfordshire 192 — — 4 
			 Cambridgeshire 8 — — 1 
			 Essex 143 — — — 
			 Hertfordshire 11 — — 1 
			 Norfolk 21 — — — 
			 Suffolk 13 — — — 
			 East of England Region 388 — — 6 
			      
			 London, City of 123 1 1 2 
			 Metropolitan Police 90,869 257 253 1,740 
			 London Region 90,992 258 254 1,742 
			      
			 Hampshire 277 — 1 11 
			 Kent 102 1 1 4 
			 Surrey 19 — — 1 
			 Sussex 58 — — 4 
		
	
	
		
			 Thames Valley 114 — — 3 
			 South East Region 570 1 2 23 
			      
			 Avon and Somerset 150 3 3 2 
			 Devon and Cornwall — — — — 
			 Dorset — — — — 
			 Gloucestershire — — — — 
			 Wiltshire 13 1 — 1 
			 South West Region 163 4 3 3 
			      
			 England Total 118,162 862 384 2,481 
			      
			 Dyfed-Powys 2 — — — 
			 Gwent 8 — — 3 
			 North Wales 211 2 — 2 
			 South Wales 63 — — 4 
			 Wales Total 284 2 — 9 
			      
			 England and Wales (excluding BTP) 118,446 864 384 2,490 
			      
			 British Transport Police 1,527 50 50 43

Victim Support Schemes: Finance

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to encourage local authorities to provide funding for domestic and sexual violence and abuse services.

Lynne Featherstone: As the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), made clear in her speech to Women’s Aid in July 2010, local authorities must not see this sector as an “easy cut” when making difficult decisions. The Home Office has made available £28 million funding over four years for specialist services for domestic and sexual violence victims and has encouraged local areas to provide match funding for each of these funding streams.
	The Department is also working with other Departments and the voluntary sector to identify and disseminate best practice in local commissioning to ensure local authorities give this the priority it deserves.

Whitemoor Prison

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of any potential change in response time for a police helicopter to attend Whitemoor Prison arising from any change in existing arrangements for the provision of police helicopters in Cambridgeshire.

Nick Herbert: The proposal for a National Police Air Service (NPAS) has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders to ensure that the police service continues to have access to a quickly deployable asset that can be used to tackle crime and protect the public but which also offers better value for money.
	Under the proposal for NPAS, the Cambridgeshire aircraft will be withdrawn from service and air support will instead be provided from the helicopter based at RAF Honington in Suffolk. While the response time for a police helicopter to attend HMP Whitemoor would increase if the helicopter were responding from its base, the re-organisation of the current fleet will increase aircraft availability by 8% and ensure that Cambridgeshire will have access to a helicopter 24 hours a day as opposed to 19 hours a day under the existing arrangement.

JUSTICE

Access to Work Programme

Anne McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many disabled people are being supported in employment in his Department under its access to work programme.

Crispin Blunt: Figures on the number of reasonable adjustments made for disabled staff to remove barriers and enable them to participate in the workplace as equally as non-disabled colleagues are not held centrally as many such adjustments are arranged locally between the line manager and the member of staff. The types of adjustment provided range from more frequent work breaks, adjustments to working hours to enable travel outside peaks times, to specialist equipment, adaptations to the work environment, and support workers. Guidance on supporting disabled staff is available for staff and managers and the Ministry is currently running an internal publicity campaign “supporting disability in the workplace” to raise awareness to staff and managers of the support and guidance available.

Bail

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were proceeded against for failing to surrender to court in (a) each of the last three years and (b) the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion received a custodial sentence for this offence.

Crispin Blunt: The number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty and sentenced at all courts to immediate custody for offences relating to absconding while released on bail in England and Wales from 2008 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the following table.
	Court proceedings data for 2011 will be available in the spring of 2012.
	
		
			 Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts, found guilty at all courts, sentenced and given a custodial sentence, by proportion of those sentenced, for absconding while released on bail (1) , England and Wales, 2008 - 10 (2,3) 
			  2008 (4) 2009 2010 
			 Proceeded against 33,884 29,939 31,664 
			 Found guilty 17,723 16,354 18,718 
			     
			 Sentenced 17,351 16,053 18,593 
			 Of  which:    
			 Immediate custody 2,347 1,723 2,024 
			 Other sentence 15,004 14,330 16,569 
			     
			 Of those sentenced, proportion given immediate custody 14 11 11 
			 (1) Bail Act 1976, section 6. (2) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3 )Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (4) Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Bail

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many defendants released on bail 
	(1)  were found to have interfered with witnesses while awaiting trial in each year since 2001;
	(2)  absconded while awaiting trial in each year since 2001.

Crispin Blunt: Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice does not record how many defendants released on bail were found to have interfered with witnesses while awaiting trial.
	The number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts for absconding while on bail in England and Wales, 2001 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the table.
	Court proceedings data for 2011 will be available in the spring of 2012.
	
		
			 Number of defendants proceeded against at the magistrates courts for absconding (1) , England and Wales, 2001 - 10 (2, 3) 
			  Proceeded against for absconding whil e  on bail 
			 2001 45,047 
			 2002 52,187 
			 2003 57,562 
			 2004 57,000 
			 2005 52,262 
			 2006 47,780 
			 2007 41,341 
			 2008(4) 33,884 
			 2009 29,939 
			 2010 31,664 
			 (1) Bail Act 1976, section 6. (2) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (4) Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Bail

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many defendants released on bail committed offences whilst awaiting trial in each year since 2001.

Crispin Blunt: The table shows, for the years 2001 to 2010, the number of defendants recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC) in England and Wales as having received at least one conviction, caution, reprimand or warning during the year, and the number of these who were recorded as having committed at least one offence while on bail during the year.
	These figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the PNC, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. In particular the recording of information on whether or not the offence was committed while the offender was on bail is known to be incomplete. This is because the police have available to them a number of ways of recording the bail status of an offender of which the ‘offence committed on bail’ field on the PNC is one. For operational purposes forces make differing use of these various sources and as a result figures derived purely from the PNC do not provide a complete picture of these offences. Changes over time in these data may not represent real changes in offending while on bail.
	
		
			 Offenders who received a caution, reprimand, warning or conviction, as recorded on the Police National Computer and number who committed offences while on bail, 2001-10, England and Wales 
			 Number of offenders and percentages 
			   Offenders committing offences while on bail 
			  Total number of offenders who received a caution, reprimand, warning or conviction Number Percentage 
			 2001 639,272 51,759 8.1 
			 2002 657,464 55,188 8.4 
			 2003 685,710 56,545 8.2 
			 2004 691,904 54,963 7.9 
			 2005 723,663 59,926 8.3 
			 2006 763,164 65,973 8.6 
			 2007 785,729 75,105 9.6 
			 2008 755,083 73,359 9.7 
			 2009 718,494 72,030 10.0 
			 2010 671,029 70,496 10.5

Bail and Remand in Custody

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many people were granted bail in (a)  2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001;
	(2)  how many people were remanded in custody in (a) 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001;
	(3)  how many people remanded in custody in (a) 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001 subsequently received a custodial sentence;
	(4)  how many people remanded in custody in (a) 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001 subsequently received a suspended sentence;
	(5)  how many people remanded in custody in (a) 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001 were subsequently acquitted.

Crispin Blunt: The number of defendants granted bail and the number remanded in custody, together with the outcome, can be viewed in the following table:
	
		
			 Defendants proceeded against by type of remand and final outcome at magistrates courts (1) and tried at the Crown c ourt in England and Wales, 2001 to 2010 (2) , England and Wales 
			 Defendants (thousand ) 
			 Remand status/final outcome 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 (3) 2009 2010 
			 Bailed 488.8 513.3 524.5 550.8 514.4 493.8 485.2 441.2 551.4 552.1 
			            
			 Remanded in custody(4) 85.1 109.2 106.7 90.7 82.2 76.7 74.5 77.5 71.5 69.4 
			 Of which:           
			 Acquitted(5) 19.3 21.6 22.4 17.0 14.5 12.8 11.4 11.4 9.5 11.9 
			 Suspended sentence 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.3 1.1 3.9 4.6 4.8 4.5 4.3 
			 Immediate custody(6) 38.9 49.5 47.7 43.7 41.3 39.7 38.8 43.1 43.4 40.0 
			 (1) Magistrates courts data presented in this table exclude committals for trial or sentence, and for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010, those defendants who failed to appear. (2 )Magistrates courts data are estimated. (3) Excludes remands data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. (4) Includes those remanded for part of the time in custody and part on bail. (5) Includes those defendants acquitted or not proceeded against. (6) Includes detention in a young offender institution, detention and training orders and unsuspended imprisonment. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice.

Coroners: Domestic Violence

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans his Department has to provide training to coroners on domestic violence.

Jonathan Djanogly: The next series of continuation training courses for coroners and coroner's officers is currently being designed. This will include a lecture on unlawful killing and homicide which will include reference to domestic violence.

Courts: Private Sector

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what powers a private sector operator of the contract for criminal court enforcement will have in relation to the collection of unpaid fines.

Jonathan Djanogly: Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service are developing a strategy for the enforcement of fines and how best to improve this in the future. This could include forming a partnership with a commercial partner. Details of any partnership with a commercial company to deliver enforcement functions for criminal court fines are not yet known.

Courts: Private Sector

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to what quality assurance procedures private sector companies will be subject in the bidding process for private supervision of criminal court enforcement.

Jonathan Djanogly: No tender process has commenced as yet for the provision of enforcement functions. Any published tender documentation will specify the relevant quality assurance procedures that would need to be followed.

Courts: Private Sector

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what arrangements are in place for the exchange of information between HM Courts Service and private companies; and what steps he has taken to ensure that such arrangements comply with data protection regulations following the completion of the tendering process for criminal court enforcement.

Jonathan Djanogly: The tender for the provision of enforcement functions and any resulting contract awarded would include the necessary wording to highlight that the bidding supplier would need to comply with the Data Protection Act regulations already in place.

Drug Interventions Programme

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were registered with the Drug Interventions Programme in the last six months for which figures are available.

James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply.
	The Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) is a crime reduction approach which local partners use to identify, assess and manage drug misusing offenders in order to help them address their drug misuse and reduce drug related offending. Individuals do not register with DIP. Over the latest six months for which data are available (November 2010-April 2011), 30,730 assessments were carried out under the Drug Interventions Programme on 23,391 individuals.

Drug Interventions Programme

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number of (a) homeless people and (b) people with no fixed address registered with the Drug Interventions Programme in the last 12 months.

James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply.
	The Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) is a crime reduction approach which local areas use to identify, assess and manage drug misusing offenders in order to help them address their drug misuse and reduce drug related offending.
	Information on individuals' housing needs are collected as part of the DIP assessment of needs.
	Over the latest 12 months for which data are available (May 2010-April 2011), 62,490 assessments were carried out and 61,677 (99%) had an accommodation status recorded, as follows:
	
		
			  Number Percentage 
			 No fixed abode 4,598 7.5 
			 Temporary 10,623 17.2 
			 Settled 46,456 75.35

Euthanasia

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will conduct a review of the operation of the Suicide Act 1961 in relation to the law on assisted suicide.

Crispin Blunt: The Government have no plans to review the operation of the Suicide Act in England and Wales.

Legal Aid Scheme

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much the Legal Services Commission spent on legal aid for people charged with (a) murder, (b) unlawful sex with a minor, (c) burglary, (d) rape, (e) manslaughter, (f) knife crimes and (g) robbery in the latest year for which figures are available.

Jonathan Djanogly: It is not possible to fully answer the question in the exact format requested as the Legal Services Commission (LSC) do not record offences in the manner requested.
	Table A shows the amounts paid for all offences heard in the magistrates courts.
	Tables B and C show the amounts paid for proceedings under the available offence categories in the Crown court for cases not funded by a high cost case contract and those cases that are funded by a high cost case contract.
	
		
			 Table A: Crime lower spend by offence type 
			  £ million 
			 Offences against the person 62.7 
			 Theft (including taking vehicle without consent) 35.5 
			 Burglary 12.2 
			 Public order offences 25.2 
			 Drug offences 14.2 
			 Other offences 27.8 
			 Criminal damage 11.2 
			 Fraud and forgery and other offences of dishonesty not otherwise categorised 11.6 
			 Driving and motor vehicle offences (other than those covered by codes 1, 6 and 7 16.4 
			 Sexual offences and associated offences against children 5.4 
			 Robbery 4.2 
			 Homicide and related grave offences 0.5 
			 Other prescribed proceedings 3.9 
			 Anti-social behaviour orders 1.8 
			 Sexual offender orders 0.3 
			 Terrorism 0.1 
			 Other post-charge 33.4 
			 Prison Law 25.2 
		
	
	
		
			 Table B: Crown court spend by offence type excluding very high cost cases 
			 Offence type £ million 
			 A—Homicide and related grave offences 101.9 
			 B—Offences involving serious violence or damage and serious drug offences 174.6 
			 C—Lesser offences involving violence or damage, and less serious drug offences 66.2 
			 D—Serious sexual offences, offences against children 62 
			 E—Burglary, etc 13.4 
			 F—Other offences of dishonesty 111.6 
			 H—Miscellaneous lesser offences (including non-fatal motoring offences) 39.7 
			 I—Offences against public justice 8.8 
			 Court of appeal, Confiscation hearings, Payments on Accounts and Disbursements 47.2 
		
	
	
		
			 Table C: VHCC spend by offence type 
			 Offence type £ million 
			 Murder 4.4 
			 Other violence 0.8 
			 Rape 0

Legal Aid Scheme

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the contribution of 29 June 2011, Official Report, column 1064, what the evidential basis is for the statement that in 1999 claimant costs represented 50% of damages but that by 2010 the figure had risen to 150%.

Jonathan Djanogly: The figures relating to the increase in claimant costs to which the hon. Gentleman refers were included in “Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in England and Wales—Implementation of Lord Justice Jackson's Recommendations: The Government Response”, published on 29 March 2011. Paragraph 20 refers to the evidence provided by a general liability insurer that in 1999 claimant solicitors' costs were equivalent to 56% of the damages awarded. By 2003 that figure had increased to 103%, and by 2010 average claimant costs represented 142% of the damages received by the injured victims.

Legal Systems: Islam

Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what information his Department holds on which communities have sharia councils;
	(2)  what his policy is on the role of sharia councils within the justice system;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the proportion of (a) men and (b) women on sharia councils.

Jonathan Djanogly: Sharia councils are not part of the justice system of England and Wales and the Government have made it clear that they have no intention of making any change to that position.
	Provided an activity prescribed by sharia law does not contravene the law of England and Wales, there is nothing that prevents people living by sharia principles. People are free to submit a dispute to a sharia council if they wish to do so and can if they wish formalise any agreement made by asking a court in England and Wales to reflect this in an order made with the consent of the parties. Any member of the community is also free to submit the case to a court in England and Wales if they wish for a decision to be made by the court.
	As sharia councils are not part of the justice system the Government do not collate or hold any information on sharia councils or the gender breakdown within them. The previous Government did, however, commission an exploratory study of sharia councils in England with respect to family law. This identified a number of challenges to undertaking robust research in this area. The study was therefore limited and adds little to the evidence base. In particular, the findings cannot be regarded as a representative assessment of the operation of sharia councils. Following expert peer review of the draft report, the Ministry of Justice decided not to publish the findings.

Prison Sentences

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  pursuant to his statement of 21 June 2011, Official Report, column 165, on sentencing reform, when he intends to publish the findings of the review of imprisonment for public protection; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether the review of imprisonment for public protection will affect prisoners already held under the rule.

Crispin Blunt: As the Prime Minister announced on 21 June 2011, we are carrying out an urgent review of the sentence of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) with a view to replacing the existing IPP regime with a tough determinate sentence framework which would be better understood by the public and command greater confidence.
	As part of this review, we will also consider the Parole Board arrangements for rehabilitation of those offenders with IPPs to ensure that real work is done to reform offenders while in prison.
	We will bring forward proposals for legislation in the autumn.

Prisoners' Release: Re-offenders

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offences were committed by people who were released on (a) police and (b) court bail in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Crispin Blunt: The table shows, for the years 2008 to 2010, the number of offences recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC) in England and Wales that resulted in a conviction, caution, reprimand or warning and the number of these that were recorded as being committed while the offender was on bail. The data do not enable us to distinguish between police bail and court bail.
	These figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the PNC, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. In particular the recording of information on whether or not the offence was committed while the offender was on bail is known to be incomplete. This is because the police have available to them a number of ways of recording the bail status of an offender of which the ‘offence committed on bail’ field on the PNC is one. For operational purposes forces make differing use of these various sources and as a result figures derived purely from the PNC do not provide a complete picture of these offences; changes over time in these data may not represent real changes in offending while on bail.
	
		
			 Offences resulting in a caution, reprimand, final warning or conviction, as recorded on the Police National Computer and offences committed on bail 2008-10, England and Wales 
			 Number of offences and percentages 
			   Offences committed on bail 
			  Total number of offences Number Percentage 
			 2008 1,518,845 153,688 10.1 
			 2009 1,426,082 146,681 10.3 
			 2010 1,329,343 142,537 10.7

Prisons: Employment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 4 July 2011, Official Report, columns 1023-24W, on prisons: employment, whether he has plans to increase the number of prisoners per day working in the National Offender Management Service public sector prison industries who are engaged in land-based activities on farms in East Anglia.

Crispin Blunt: The National Offender Management Service operates one farm in East Anglia, at HM Prison North Sea Camp, although there are a number of other prisons in the area that provide land-based activities for prisoners on a smaller scale.
	As set out in the recent Green Paper, “Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders” we are currently reviewing the opportunities for increasing the numbers of prisoners that experience the discipline of regular working hours across all sectors including land-based activities. We are also looking to further develop the skills needed by prisoners to gain employment on release from prison. For the farm at HM Prison North Sea camp this includes the possibility of working with a private sector partner to achieve this.

Prisons: Employment

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what milestones he has set for his plans to enable more prisoners to work; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: We will publish further details of our implementation strategy in relation to the Green Paper, “Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders” this autumn.

Remand in Custody

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many people were remanded in custody on the grounds of (a) being accused of a serious offence, (b) being convicted of similar offences on previous occasions, (c) risk of absconding, (d) risk of interference with witnesses and (e) risk of committing further offences in each year since 2001;
	(2)  how many people remanded in custody in each year since 2001 subsequently received a custodial sentence that was served fully on remand.

Crispin Blunt: Information on the number of defendants remanded in custody collated by the Ministry of Justice from the Court Proceedings Database does not include details of all the circumstances surrounding each case. The reasons for remanding a defendant in custody could be ascertained only by reference to individual court files which could be achieved only at disproportionate cost.
	Information on bail and remand collected by the Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings Database does not record the length of time defendants spent on remand.

Sexual Offences

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department is taking to assess the (a) prevalence and (b) circumstances of false allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Crispin Blunt: The Stern Review found that insufficient reliable empirical evidence existed on a key number of areas relating to rape, such as false allegations. In response the Government commissioned an analysis of police and CPS case files, relating to cases proceeded against for serious sexual and violent offences. The analysis is being undertaken by TNS-BMRB following a competitive tender through the MOJ Research Framework. The project will include a more detailed analysis of aspects specific to rape cases (factors related to attrition and case outcome), in order to inform the debate about false allegations (extent and nature). The project is under way and a report of the findings will be published in accordance with the Government Social Research Publication Guidelines when it is ready.
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/Assets/GSR%20Publication %20Guidance%20-%2029%20Jan%202010_tcm6-35775.pdf

Tribunals: Autism

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many parents of autistic children went to a tribunal to challenge the support provided to their child in school in the last year for which figures are available.

Jonathan Djanogly: The number of appeals made by parents of autistic children to the First-tier Tribunal—Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in 2009-10, the latest year for which figures are available, was 1,019 out of a total of 3,280 registered appeals(1). Further information on the number and type of appeals made to SEND is available within the Tribunal's annual report at:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/corporate-reports/tribunals/send.htm
	(1) These data are taken from the 2009-10 Annual Report and represent management information recorded on an academic year basis (September 2009 to August 2010).

Victim Support Schemes

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many cases were referred to the Salvation Army's new trafficking victim support scheme in the first week of July 2011; and by whom.

Crispin Blunt: In the first week of July 2011, seven individuals were referred to the Salvation Army's support system for adult victims of human trafficking. The referrals were made by charities, the police, youth justice services and the health service.

EDUCATION

Administration

Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to reduce the burden of administration on schools.

Nick Gibb: To reduce the bureaucratic burden on schools we have already scrapped the Self Evaluation Form; we are replacing the Financial Management Standard in Schools, streamlining the inspection framework; removing unnecessary regulation and dramatically reducing the volume of guidance issued to schools. We have also recently announced proposals to reduce the bureaucracy around the Early Years Foundation Stage and simplify assessment at age five.

Youth Services

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the change in his Department's funding of youth services in (a) Manchester Central constituency and (b) England in 2011-12.

Tim Loughton: The Department's funding for youth services for 2011-12 is included in the Early Intervention Grant (EIG). The EIG allocation for Manchester local authority has changed from £34.25 million in 2010-11 to £29.97 million in 2011-12, a reduction of around 12.5%, and is reduced by 10.5% for England as a whole. Money for youth services is not ring-fenced within the EIG and decisions on funding levels to youth services are for local authorities.

Youth Services

Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on the future of youth services.

Tim Loughton: Youth services should help young people to aspire and achieve. They should be driven by young people’s views, be rooted in local communities and supported by businesses. Local authorities should ensure disadvantaged young people get early help. They should open up services to a wider range of providers, including the voluntary sector. Building on our Youth Summit in March the Government will publish a policy statement on youth services in the autumn, following further consultation with young people and others.

Curriculum

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent representations he has received on the breadth of the curriculum.

Nick Gibb: We are currently reviewing the national curriculum. As part of that review, we have carried out a call for evidence which attracted nearly 5,800 responses, including many which raised issues about the breadth of the curriculum.
	The national curriculum sets out the curriculum which all maintained schools must teach but it is only part of the wider curriculum which is determined by schools themselves. All schools are required to teach a broad and balanced curriculum.

Careers Service

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to issue his transition plan for the careers service.

Tim Loughton: The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), committed during an Education Bill debate to hold a summit for interested parties focused on issues of transition to the new arrangements for young people's careers guidance. The summit will take place this Friday 15 July. Following the event we will set out key milestones for the transition period up to September 2012, to support local authorities' own transition planning. We will also look to share examples of the models being developed at local level. This material will be made available on the Local Government Association's Communities of Practice website.

Teaching Unions: Meeting

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he next expects to meet representatives of teaching unions.

Michael Gove: The Minister of State for Schools and I each meet the General Secretaries of the head teacher and teacher unions once a term both individually and collectively and I am scheduled to meet them again later this month.

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service: Grievance Procedures

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) individual and (b) group grievances were taken out by staff employed by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service in England and Wales in 2010.

Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does not hold this information; this is an operational matter for which CAFCASS is responsible. CAFCASS’s chief executive, Anthony Douglas, has written to the hon. Member with this information. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries.
	Letter from Anthony Douglas, dated 7 July 2011
	I am writing to you in response to the Parliamentary Question that you tabled recently: The response applies to England only.
	The number of formal grievances was 39 of which 2 were group formal grievances during the period 1 April 2010-31 March 2011.

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service: Sick Leave

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many persons employed by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service in England and Wales were classed as being on long-term sick leave in 2010.

Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does not hold this information; this is an operational matter for which CAFCASS is responsible. CAFCASS's chief executive, Anthony Douglas, has written to the hon. Member with this information. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries.
	L etter from Anthony Douglas, dated 7 July 2011:
	I am writing to you in response to the Parliamentary Question that you tabled recently: The response applies to England only.
	The number of employees classed as being on long term sick was 242 during the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. Long term is classed as anyone being away from work for a period of 20 working days.

Children: Protection

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many serious case reviews were carried out by each local authority (a) in each year between 1999 and 2010 and (b) in 2011 to date.

Tim Loughton: Ofsted assumed responsibility for the inspection of children's social care and local authorities became responsible for notifying Ofsted of serious incidents involving children from 1 April 2007. Data on the numbers of serious case reviews (SCRs) initiated following the notification of a serious incident relating to the death or serious injury of a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected to be a factor are therefore available from 1 April 2007. The table with these figures broken down by each local authority has been placed in the House Libraries.
	It is the responsibility of LSCBs to decide whether to initiate SCRs, in line with regulations and statutory guidance.
	Decisions taken by LSCBs on whether the criteria to undertake SCRs have been met are normally taken within one month of a case coming to the attention of the LSCB chair. However, in practice decisions may take longer and may be revisited in light of additional information, such as new medical evidence or the outcome of a coroner's inquest, which may subsequently become available. Therefore, there may be variations in the data included in this table over time.
	The Munro Review of child protection has recommended how to strengthen the SCR process to enable lessons to be learnt more effectively and the Government will respond by the summer.
	The figures in the table include data provided for earlier parliamentary answers. For the year 2007-08, I refer the hon. Member to the data published in a previous reply issued on 23 February 2009, Official Report, column 442W. For the year 2008-09, data referring to SCRs initiated following the notification to Ofsted of a death of a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected to be a factor were published on 22 October 2009, Official Report, column 1664W. Data collected at the same time for SCRs initiated following the notification to Ofsted of a serious injury of a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected to be a factor have been added to these published figures to get a total of all SCRs in that period. Figures for the years 2009-2010 and 2010-11 have not yet been published. It is not possible to provide figures from April 2011 to the current date because many of the decisions about whether to initiate a SCR will still be outstanding and the figures would therefore not be reliable.
	Data are not available in this form prior to 1 April 2007. The Department has however commissioned five biennial analyses of SCRs to help ensure lessons are clearly identified and disseminated. These publications include data on how many SCRs were included in each study. Links to these research reports are:
	Building on the learning from serious case reviews: A two-year analysis of child protection database notifications 2007-09
	https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/DFE-RR040
	Understanding serious case reviews and their impact—a biennial analysis of serious case reviews 2005-07
	https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/DCSF-RR129
	Analysing Child Deaths and Serious Injury through Abuse: What can we Learn? A Biennial Analysis of Serious Case Reviews 2003-05
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/RRP/u014591/index.shtml
	Improving Safeguarding Practice—Study of Serious Case Reviews 2001-03
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/RRP/u014711/index.shtml
	Learning from Past Experience—A Review of Serious Case Reviews
	http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4003094

Children: Protection

Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many serious case reviews were carried out in each year from 2005 to 2010.

Tim Loughton: holding answer 20 June 2011
	Ofsted assumed responsibility for the inspection of children's social care and local authorities became responsible for notifying Ofsted of serious incidents involving children from 1 April 2007. Data on the numbers of serious case reviews (SCRs) initiated following the notification of a serious incident relating to the death or serious injury of a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected to be a factor are therefore available from 1 April 2007. These figures are set out in the following table.
	It is the responsibility of LSCBs to decide whether to initiate SCRs, in line with regulations and statutory guidance.
	Decisions taken by LSCBs on whether the criteria to undertake SCRs have been met are normally taken within one month of a case coming to the attention of the LSCB chair. However, in practice decisions may take longer and may be revisited in light of additional information, such as new medical evidence or the outcome of a coroner's inquest, which may subsequently become available. Therefore, there may be variations in the data included in this table over time.
	The Munro review of child protection has recommended how to strengthen the SCR process to enable lessons to be learnt more effectively and the Government will respond by the summer.
	The figures in the table include data provided for earlier parliamentary answers. For the year 2007-08, I refer the right hon. Member to the data published in a previous reply issued on 23 February 2009, Official Report, column 442W. For the year 2008-09, data referring to SCRs initiated following the notification to Ofsted of a death of a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected to be a factor were published on 22 October 2009, Official Report, column 1664W. Data collected at the same time for SCRs initiated following the notification to Ofsted of a serious injury of a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected to be a factor have been added to these published figures to get a total of all SCRs in that period. Figures for 2009-10 have not yet been published.
	Data are not available in this form prior to 1 April 2007. The Department has however commissioned five biennial analyses of SCRs to help ensure lessons are clearly identified and disseminated. These publications include data on how many SCRs were included in each study. A link to the research report for the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2007 is:
	https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/DCSF-RR129
	Understanding serious case reviews and their impact—a biennial analysis of serious case reviews 2005-07.
	
		
			 Number of SCRs initiated, as a result of a serious incident relating to the death or serious injury of a child notified to Ofsted between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2011 
			  Number 
			 Number of SCRs initiated as a result of a serious incident relating to the death or serious injury of a child notified to Ofsted between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008(1) 149 
			 Number of SCRs initiated as a result of a serious incident relating to the death or serious injury of a child notified to Ofsted between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009 (At the time there were three further cases awaiting a decision)(2) 132 
			 Number of SCRs initiated as a result of a serious incident relating to the death or serious injury of a child notified to Ofsted between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010(3) 124 
			 (1 )Source—Data from reply issued 23 February 2009, Official Report, column 442W. (2) Source—Data for child death element from PQ published on 22 October 2009, Official Report, column 1664W, with information on serious injury added from figures collected at same time. (3) Includes information available to DFE as at 30 June 2011

Special Advisers

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what expenses were claimed by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers working in his Department in the last 12 months.

Tim Loughton: The special advisers at the Department for Education have claimed no expenses in the last 12 months, other than for subsistence, travel and telephone bills. The Department has no unpaid special advisers.

Departmental Billing

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of invoices from small and medium-sized businesses were paid by his Department within five working days of receipt in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Tim Loughton: The Department does not currently record within its finance systems information about the size of its suppliers. The Department is working with our shared service provider to explore ways to provide more comprehensive reporting in particular on small and medium-sized employers.
	For the period June 2010 to May 2011 a total number of 48,464 invoices were processed and paid on behalf of the Department by our shared services provider, of which 78% were paid within the Government's target of payment within five days.

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

Tim Loughton: It is always the wish of the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove) and the rest of his ministerial team to accept any meeting request from an hon. Member, irrespective of the political party they may belong to. Regrettably, due to diary pressures and business needs it is not always possible to accommodate all meeting requests. To obtain accurate details of declined meeting requests would incur disproportionate cost.

Education

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent representations he has received on the merits of encouraging children to study (a) religious education, (b) classical civilisation and (c) music.

Nick Gibb: The Department has received over 2,500 letters setting out the merits of children studying a range of GCSE subjects including religious education, classical civilisation and music, in relation to the English Baccalaureate. We agree that these are rigorous, engaging and valuable subjects that can play an important part in a well rounded education, either alongside the English Baccalaureate or for pupils who make a different choice of subjects.

Education: Finance

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what arrangements are in place for councils to claim funding in respect of children educated outside schools or colleges; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Local authorities can claim Dedicated Schools Grant funding for children educated outside schools or colleges through the annual Alternative Provision (AP) census.
	The underlying principle of the AP census is that it should cover pupils resident in a local authority receiving education with an alternative provider (a provider not covered by the other pupil data collections—School Census, Early Years Census and School Level Annual School Census (SLASC)). These are pupils whose education is the financial responsibility of the local authority, using either the schools budget or the schools budget with contributions from the wider local authority budget, such as another part of the children's services budget, the health authority or another local authority. The alternative provider may be situated either within or outside the local authority area.
	This includes:
	(a) Pupils receiving home tuition for whom the local authority is financially responsible, including those requiring SEN support;
	(b) Pupils receiving tuition whilst in hospital (provided they are not recorded on another data collection);
	(c) Pupils of compulsory school age, not registered at a school, being educated at FE colleges and for whom the local authority is financially responsible, and asylum seekers of compulsory school age attending FE colleges or with voluntary sector providers;
	(d) Statemented or non-statemented pupils at an independent school for whom the local authority pays the fees (educational element only, not boarding fees);
	(e) Pupils attending a special school not maintained by a local authority for whom the local authority pays the fees;
	(f) Pupils held in a unit for their own safety, where the authority is paying for the education, although the unit is in another authority;
	(g) Pupils not on a school roll elsewhere and held at a detention centre where the local authority is fully financially responsible for the pupil; and
	(h) Pupils for whom the authority is paying for education in any of the alternative providers covered above but taking place outside England.
	Although local authorities have statutory responsibility for elective home educated pupils, this does not constitute being fully financially responsible for the child, and so these are not eligible for DSG funding.

English Baccalaureate: Teachers

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on the number of academic institutions offering post-graduate PGCE courses in core English Baccalaureate subjects.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education estimates the number of teacher training places (including those on Post Graduate Certificates in Education courses) needed for each subject. This includes consideration of the effects of changes such as the introduction of the English Baccalaureate qualification. The Training and Development Agency for schools (TDA) allocates these places to academic institutions and other providers of initial teacher training. The TDA formally notifies the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), a non-departmental public body (NDPB) of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, of the allocation of places to institutions, but this is not broken down by subject.

Family Courts

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many guardians ad litem were employed by family courts in England and Wales in 2010.

Tim Loughton: The Department does not hold this information; this is an operational matter for which CAFCASS is responsible. CAFCASS’s chief executive, Anthony Douglas, has written to the hon. Member with this information. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries.
	Letter from Anthony Douglas, dated 7 July 2011
	I am writing to you in response to the Parliamentary Question that you tabled recently: The response applies to England only.
	The number of Family Court Advisers employed by Cafcass as at 31 December 2010 is as follows:
	Family Courts Advisers—1,110
	Self Employed Contractors—approximately 350.
	It is important to note that the family courts are not the employers of those who work as guardians ad litem and that both employed Family Court Advisers and self-employed contractors are able to be appointed by the courts to fulfil the functions of a guardian ad litem.

Family Intervention

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much funding was allocated to family intervention projects in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12.

Tim Loughton: The Government allocated £9,049,684 in 2007-08, £11,201,586 in 2008-09, £33,604,489 in 2009-10, £49,789,569 in 2010-11 and £46 million in 2011-12 for family intervention projects/services. The ring fence for this funding was removed in May 2010.

Free Schools

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on (a) any criteria to be applied in planning issues and (b) the process for determining planning issues in relation to the establishment of free schools.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 5 July 2011
	The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), has had a number of discussions with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), on this issue. We will announce any further steps on improving the planning system in relation to free schools in due course.

Primary Education: Capital Investment

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what forecasts of the primary school population his Department prepared for the purposes of determining future levels of capital funding in the last five years.

Nick Gibb: It is the responsibility of each local authority to prepare their primary pupil forecasts. As part of the strategic management of their schools, we require authorities to produce a forecast of the number of pupils in their primary schools five years ahead and seven years ahead for secondary schools.
	The Department collects pupil forecast information from each local authority through an annual survey and utilises the forecasts in order to calculate the capital funding allocations to local authorities to provide extra places for future growth in pupil numbers.

Primary Education: Registration

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what identification documentation is required to register a child at a state primary school.

Nick Gibb: There are no national requirements placed on schools or parents to provide identifying documentation when registering a child at a school. However, in applying for a place at a state-funded primary school, parents will be asked by the local authority to complete a common application form allowing them to state a minimum of three preferences. In completing that form parents must provide their name and address, and any documentary evidence in support, as well as the name, address and date of birth of the child. In some case, the local authority will need to ask for supplementary information in order to process applications. If they do so, they must only use supplementary information forms that request information that has a direct bearing on decisions about over-subscription criteria. Once a place has been offered, admission authorities may ask for proof of date of birth.

Education Provision

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what statutory obligations local education authorities have to (a) identify school age children in their area and (b) ensure they are in receipt of appropriate education.

Nick Gibb: Section 436A of the Education Act 1996 (inserted by Section 4 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006) places a duty on local authorities to make arrangements to enable them to establish (so far as it is possible to do so) the identities of children residing in their area who are not receiving a suitable education. Revised statutory guidance was published in January 2009 to help local authorities effectively implement the duty.
	The duty applies in relation to children of compulsory school age who are not on a school roll, and who are not receiving a suitable education otherwise than being at school (for example, at home, privately, or in alternative provision).
	The statutory guidance sets out that local authorities should:
	have a named individual responsible for identifying children missing education, whose role includes proactively tracking pupils; and
	have a co-ordinated and centralised system in place for tracking children missing education. Local authorities are also expected to work, and share information, with other local authorities and agencies in order that children moving from one area to another can be tracked.

Pupils: Disadvantaged

Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2011, Official Report, column 353W, on pupils: disadvantaged, what consideration he has given to extending the pupil premium for children whose parents are serving in the armed forces to children whose parents have died in service in the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 28 June 2011
	The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 and its key focus is providing additional funding to schools to support deprived children. Our priority for its introduction has been to make sure that funding for the premium is simple and transparent so that schools know how it is calculated and can work out how much they will receive. Mainstream schools with children whose parents are in the armed forces will benefit from the service premium and will receive in 2011-12 £200 for every pupil recorded as a service child on the January 2011 school census. We will consider carefully whether the service premium could be extended to pupils whose parents have died in service in the armed forces.

Pupils: Truancy

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many prosecutions of parents were brought by local education authorities for non-attendance at school of school age children in (a) England and (b) Northamptonshire in the last year for which figures are available; and how many of those prosecuted were from Traveller communities.

Nick Gibb: The number of people proceeded against at the magistrates courts for offences under section 444 of the Education Act 1996 in England and the Northamptonshire police force area in 2010 (latest available) are in the following table.
	Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice on the court proceedings database does not contain information about the circumstances behind each case, beyond the description provided in the statute under which proceedings are brought. It is not possible to identify from centrally held information whether a defendant is from a Traveller community.
	Court proceedings data for 2011 will be available in the spring of 2012.
	
		
			 Number of persons proceeded against at the magistrates courts for offences under section 444 of the Education Act 1996 (1 ) in England and Northamptonshire police force area, 2010 (2,3) 
			 Area Proceeded against 
			 England 11,260 
			 Of  which:  
			 Northamptonshire 104 
			 (1) Offences under section 444 of the Education Act 1996: Parent's failure to secure child's regular attendance at school. Parent knowing that their child is failing to attend school regularly failing without reasonable justification to cause him or her to attend school. (2) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems, generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

School Meals

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will bring forward proposals to amend statutory school food standards to align them with Government buying standards for food and catering services.

Sarah Teather: The Government are not proposing to amend the statutory school food standards to align them with Government buying standards for food and catering services. The school food standards are already stricter than those included in the Government buying standards.
	The Government buying standards only apply to central Government although schools and local authorities may wish to consider using them.
	The Government support the procurement of locally produced, seasonal produce from sustainable sources and have been working with a number of organisations including Pro 5, a leading procurement organisation that works with local authorities, to establish framework contracts that will help schools and local authorities to procure quality goods efficiently.

Schools: Capital Investment

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will estimate in 2011 prices the cost of each school capital construction project (a) approved, (b) opened and (c) cancelled in each year since 1997.

Nick Gibb: Full information is not held centrally in the form requested. Since 1997 capital support has largely been allocated formulaically to local authorities and schools in order for them to decide their investment priorities in accordance with local asset management plans. However, there are data held centrally relating to the BSF and Academies programmes, and I will write to the hon. Member with this information, and place a copy of the letter in the House Libraries.

Schools: Closures

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2011, Official Report, column 757W, on school closures (Thursday), what assessment he made of the use of the flexibilities at the disposal of schools to ensure that they stayed open on 30 June 2011.

Nick Gibb: To minimise the impact of industrial action, the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), wrote to all local authorities on 23 June, to lay out the flexibilities at the disposal of schools to ensure that they stayed open.
	In that letter he asked local authorities to share with the Department their best practice and examples of schools working innovatively and successfully to stay open. We will be reviewing these examples over the coming weeks, as they come in to us.

Schools: Closures

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on how many days annually on average schools were closed due to strike action between (a) 1979 and 1997 and (b) 1997 and 2010; and what assessment he has made of likely trends in days lost to such action in the next four years.

Nick Gibb: While the Department for Education published information on school closures associated with the industrial action on 30 June, figures have not routinely been collected by this Department on the number of days that schools have closed due to industrial action between 1979 and 2010. It is not possible to predict the number of days on which schools might close in the event of future industrial action.

Schools: Cumbria

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools were assessed by Ofsted as (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) satisfactory and (d) inadequate in South Lakeland district council area in each of the last five years.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 5 July 2011
	This is a matter for Ofsted. John Goldup, National Director, Development and Strategy has written to my hon. Friend, on behalf of HM chief inspector. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries.
	Letter from John Goldup, dated 4 July 2011
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector for response. Her Majesty's Chief Inspector is currently on leave, and I am replying on her behalf.
	Since 2005, maintained school inspections have been carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. Ofsted records all judgements made by inspectors in section 5 inspections/ including the judgement for overall effectiveness of the school.
	Maintained schools inspected under section 5 include nursery, primary, secondary (including academies and city technology colleges), special schools and pupil referral units.
	Tables A to E below show the number of maintained schools judged outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate for overall effectiveness at their section 5 inspection during the academic years 2005/06 to 2009/10 inclusive in South Lakeland District and England.
	In September 2009, Ofsted implemented a policy of more proportionate inspection using risk assessment and deliberately set out to inspect a greater proportion of previously satisfactory or inadequate schools each year and a smaller proportion of previously good or outstanding schools. This led to a skew in the sample of schools inspected and means that comparisons between years should be treated with caution as some differences are due to the different sample of schools inspected during the different periods.
	Statistics covering the outcomes of all inspections carried out in each academic year since 2005/06 can be found at:
	http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Documents-by-type/Statistics/Maintained-schools/Inspection-outcomes
	The most recent official statistics release covering the outcomes of maintained school inspections carried out during the autumn and spring terms 2010/11 were released on 15 June 2011 and can be accessed at the same link.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.
	
		
			 Tables A to E: Schools overall effectiveness judgment at their section 5 inspection in South Lakeland district in each of the last five academic years 
			 2005/06 
			   Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) 
			  Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate 
			 South Lakeland district 15 13 47 33 7 
			 England 6,128 11 48 34 8 
		
	
	
		
			 2006/07 
			   Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) 
			  Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate 
			 South Lakeland district 30 3 70 17 10 
			 England 8,323 14 47 34 6 
		
	
	
		
			 2007/08 
			   Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) 
			  Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate 
			 South Lakeland district 26 15 58 19 8 
			 England 7,866 15 49 32 5 
		
	
	
		
			 2008/09 
			   Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) 
			  Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate 
			 South Lakeland district 16 6 88 6 0 
			 England 7,065 19 50 28 4 
		
	
	
		
			 2009/10 
			   Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) 
			  Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate 
			 South Lakeland district 20 25 55 10 10 
			 England 6,171 13 43 37 8

Schools: Finance

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much basic need funding was allocated to schools in each year since 1997.

Nick Gibb: Capital allocations to local authorities, since 1997-98, to support investment in schools relating to basic need, were as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
			 1997-98 359 
			 1998-99 286 
			 1999-2000 274 
			 2000-01 357 
			 2001-02 452 
			 2002-03 401 
			 2003-04 475 
			 2004-05 566 
			 2005-06 504 
			 2006-07 445 
			 2007-08 400 
			 2008-09 423 
			 2009-10 419 
			 2010-11 666 
			 2011-12 (provisional) 800

Schools: Translation Services

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the cost to schools of the provision of English translation services; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Department does not collect this information.

Youth Services: Finance

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the change in his Department's funding of youth services in (a) Kingston upon Hull East constituency and (b) England in 2011-12.

Tim Loughton: The Department's funding for youth services for 2011-12 and beyond is included in the early intervention grant (EIG). The EIG allocation for Kingston upon Hull local authority has changed from £16.59 million in 2010-11 to £14.52 million in 2011-12, a reduction of around 12.5%, and is reduced by 10.5% for England as a whole. Money for youth services is not ring fenced within the EIG and decisions on funding levels for youth services are for local authorities.

HEALTH

Air Pollution: Death

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died as a result of conditions caused by air pollution in each of the last five years.

Anne Milton: Deaths from air pollution are not recorded as a specific cause. However, the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants estimated(1) on the basis of 2008 data, that fine particulate air pollution (measured as PM2.5) had an effect on the mortality of the United Kingdom population equivalent to 29,000 deaths in 2008. However, the Committee considered it very unlikely that this represents the number of individuals affected. Instead it speculated that air pollution, acting together with other factors, may have made some smaller contribution to the earlier deaths of up to 200,000 people.
	Estimates have not been made on a year-by-year basis. However, in years close to 2008 that are likely to be similar to 2008, in terms of both PM2.5 levels and population characteristics, the effect on mortality would be similar to that calculated for 2008.
	(1) The Mortality Effects of Long Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution in the United Kingdom:
	www.comeap.org.uk/documents/128-the-mortality-effects-of-long-term-exposure-to-particulate-air-pollution-in-the-uk.html

Public Health Strategy

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how (a) speech and language therapists and (b) allied health professionals will be involved in the development of his public health work force strategy.

Anne Milton: The Department will publish a consultation document on a public health work force strategy in the autumn. To inform this work a Public Health Workforce Strategy Working Group, chaired by a regional director of public health has been established. Members of the group include representatives from a range of health and local government organisations, including the co-chair of the National Allied Health Professional Advisory Board. Speech and language therapists are an integral part of the allied health professions.

Autism

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of patients who requested an autistic spectrum disorder diagnostic test in (a) Wolverhampton Primary Care Trust and (b) England received such a test in the last 12 months.

Paul Burstow: This information is not held centrally.

Autism

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for future support for speech and language therapy for adults with autistic spectrum conditions in Wolverhampton.

Paul Burstow: The provision of NHS services, including speech and language therapy, is a matter for the national health service locally.

Cancer: Drugs

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the East Midlands Cancer Drugs Fund spent in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 to date.

Simon Burns: The Cancer Drugs Fund was launched on 1 April 2011 to help thousands of cancer patients access the drugs their clinicians believe will help them. We also made an additional £50 million available to strategic health authorities in 2010-11 which has already helped over 2,400 patients in England to access the cancer drugs their clinicians recommended.
	The latest available information shows that NHS East Midlands spent £1.632 million on additional cancer drugs between 1 October 2010 and the end of March 2011. Information for 2011-12 is not yet available.

Cancer: Drugs

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the likelihood of the East Midlands Cancer Drugs Fund producing an (a) overspend and (b) underspend in 2011-12.

Simon Burns: We have made no assessment about the likelihood of an overspend or an underspend on the Cancer Drugs Fund allocation made to NHS East Midlands. This funding was allocated on a weighted capitation basis, following consultation on arrangements for the fund, and the Department will be monitoring spend during the current financial year.

Cancer: Drugs

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the East Midlands Cancer Drugs Fund spent on Avastin for (a) first line and (b) second line treatment for bowel cancer in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 to date.

Anne Milton: The Department does not collect information on the specific indications for which drugs have been funded through the cancer drugs funding arrangements for 2010-11 and 2011-12.
	A breakdown of strategic health authority expenditure by drug for 2010-11 is not yet available. We will write to the hon. Member with this information when it is available. The Department is currently establishing monitoring arrangements for 2011-12.

Cancer: Drugs

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in which regions the Cancer Drugs Fund provides funding for (a) first line and (b) second line treatment for bowel cancer with Avastin; and how much each region has spent on Avastin in each case since the launch of the new fund.

Anne Milton: The Department does not collect information on the specific indications for which drugs have been funded through the Cancer Drugs Fund.
	Decisions on which drugs to fund are a matter for each strategic health authority (SHA) clinical panel.
	In its summary of clinically agreed drugs, East Midlands SHA has included Avastin (bevacizumab) for the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and first line treatment of renal cell carcinoma that is intolerant to pazopanib and sunitinib. Further information is available at:
	www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/cancer-drugs-fund/?locale=en
	The Department is currently establishing monitoring arrangements for 2011-12. Information relating to individual cases will not be collected due to patient confidentiality.

Cervical Cancer: Screening

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  by what means human papilloma virus testing for triage and test of cure will be introduced into the NHS Cervical Screening Programme; and when it will be available to all eligible women in each region;
	(2)  what the key steps will be to introduce human papilloma virus testing for triage and test of cure into the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in 2011-12;
	(3)  by what means human papilloma virus testing for triage and test of cure as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme will be funded (a) in its first year and (b) in subsequent years;
	(4)  how many human papilloma virus tests for triage and test of cure he expects will be undertaken as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13;
	(5)  what plans he has for the future of cervical cancer screening in the NHS;
	(6)  what cost savings he estimates will accrue to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme following implementation of human papilloma virus testing for triage and test of cure;
	(7)  who will be responsible for commissioning human papilloma virus testing for triage and test of cure as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme;
	(8)  when he expects human papilloma virus testing for triage and test of cure as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme to be available to all women who are eligible for it;
	(9)  when he expects the results of the human papilloma virus Sentinel Site Implementation Project to be published.

Paul Burstow: “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, published on 12 January, sets out how the Government will introduce human papilloma virus (HPV) testing as triage for women with mild or borderline cervical screening test results and HPV as a test of cure for treated women. The Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2011-12 states that commissioners should work with their local services and NHS Cancer Screening Programmes (NHS CSP) to implement HPV testing as triage for women with mild or borderline results, leading to a more patient-centred service and major cost savings.
	The current intention is that, subject to meeting certain criteria, local cervical screening programmes will implement HPV triage in 2011-12 and HPV test of cure in 2012-13. Implementing both improvements in the same year would risk the quality and safety of the current programme and put an unnecessary burden on colposcopy services.
	The Department is currently preparing advice to the national health service that will be issued shortly, alongside implementation guidance from NHS CSP. In autumn 2011, NHS Supply Chain will publish a framework agreement on the purchasing of the five HPV testing kits that are currently available. While services will not be able to implement HPV testing as triage until the framework agreement is published, they will be able to put all necessary plans in place so that, as soon as the agreement becomes available, they will be able to make decisions and place orders without delay.
	It is not possible to state the exact number of tests that will take place in 2011-12 and 2012-13. As a guide, around 200,000 women a year have mild or borderline screening test results. There are currently around 500,000 women on annual 10-year follow-up following previous treatment, but this is expected to reduce to around 100,000 a year once these women have been subject to a test of cure in 2012-13.
	Funding for implementation has been made available for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and will be managed by NHS CSP. We expect all women in England to be benefiting from HPV triage and test of cure from 2013-14, when we also expect savings of up to £16 million per year to be made from this new policy, as set out in the impact assessment we published alongside the new cancer strategy.
	Subject to the consultation on “Healthy Lives, Healthy People”, Public Health England (PHE) will have responsibility for national elements of the cancer screening programmes. PHE will fund the NHS Commissioning Board annually to commission local elements of screening programmes on behalf of PHE.
	The results of the HPV sentinel site implementation project will be published in due course, once associated papers have appeared in peer-reviewed journals.
	Regarding the future of cervical screening, the independent Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening (ACCS) is advising on the introduction of HPV Testing as Primary Screening (HPVTaPS). Working groups have been established to take forward work in three areas:
	work force requirements and supporting transition;
	protocols and algorithms for testing; and
	demonstrating the economies and benefits to women of HPVTaPS.
	The working groups are due to report to the ACCS at its meeting on 24 November 2011, where the piloting of HPVTaPS will be considered.

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

Simon Burns: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Diabetes: Nurses

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider measures to improve recruitment levels for diabetic specialist nurses in the NHS.

Simon Burns: The Government consider that diabetes specialist nurses are an essential part of the diabetes specialist team and have a valuable part to play in supporting people with diabetes. It is local healthcare organisations, with their knowledge of the healthcare needs of their local populations, that are best placed to determine the workforce required to deliver safe patient care within their available resources.

Diabetes: Walsall

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration he has given to the role of community pharmacies in preventing and treating diabetes within the South Asian community in Walsall South constituency.

Paul Burstow: Community pharmacies have an important role in the prevention and management of diabetes.
	The national NHS Health Check programme is a public health programme aimed at preventing diabetes, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. It has been designed so that the risk assessment and management components of the check are suitable to be undertaken in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, community centres and other sites as well as general practitioner practices to make the programme as accessible as possible to people.
	The NHS Health Check programme is for people in England aged between 40 and 74. It assesses people's risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes and supports people to reduce or manage that risk through individually tailored lifestyle advice and support, and appropriate follow-up. In doing so, it will help ensure greater focus on public health and the prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease. This programme has the potential to prevent over 4,000 people a year from developing type 2 diabetes and detect at least 20,000 case of diabetes and kidney disease earlier.
	Attendance at pharmacies also presents other opportunities for discussion about the efficacy and side effects of medicines and the technology needs of people with diabetes.

Drugs: Safety

Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether he plans to establish a common NHS policy for the management of unlicensed medicines;
	(2)  what information his Department holds on the number of primary care trusts which have established policies for the management of unlicensed medicines.

Simon Burns: Information on primary care trust policies on the management of unlicensed medicines is not held centrally and we have no plans to establish a national policy for the management of unlicensed medicines in the national health service.
	Clinicians should base their prescribing decisions on their assessment of their patients’ clinical need, involving their patients in this process and taking into account the best available clinical evidence or guidance, including the General Medical Council’s “Good practice in prescribing medicines”.

Primary Care: Walsall South

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the distribution of (a) GP surgeries and (b) community pharmacies in Walsall South constituency.

Simon Burns: Any assessment of primary care services is a local matter. It is the responsibility of primary care trusts (PCTs) to ensure the adequate provision of national health service primary medical services in their areas.
	All PCTs need to publish, by February 2012, their assessment of pharmaceutical needs.
	NHS Walsall's “Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment” is available on the NHS Walsall website at:
	www.walsall.nhs.uk/communications/Walsall_pharmacies_surveyed.asp
	This document has also been placed in the Library.

Health Services: Foreign Nationals

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what amounts owed to each NHS trust for treatment of non-UK nationals have been (a) collected and (b) not collected in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Anne Milton: The total audited income from overseas visitors under non-reciprocal arrangements and total losses, bad debt and claims abandoned for overseas visitors by national health service trust for 2009-10 are shown in the following table. As well as non-UK nationals who are not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, these data include income from and written off debt for UK nationals who are not ordinarily resident here. Further, it does not include monies owed that hospitals are still in the process of attempting to recover.
	
		
			 £ 
			  Non-reciprocal income received Bad debts and claims abandoned in respect of overseas patients 
			 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 
			 Airedale NHS Trust 0 4,893 
			 Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust 107,000 48,506 
			 Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust 654,931 961,298 
			 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 297,000 185,351 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Barts and The London NHS Trust 658,000 645,375 
			 Bedford Hospital NHS Trust 79,000 931 
			 Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health and Social Care Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Bradford District Care NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust 187,000 0 
			 Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust 472,000 23,998 
			 Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 
			 Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust 20,000 34,393 
			 Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 Devon Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Ealing Hospital NHS Trust 26,000 104,747 
			 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust 239,000 141,491 
			 East Cheshire NHS Trust 8,000 996 
			 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 22,000 4,216 
			 East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 37,000 3,202 
			 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 122,000 78,813 
			 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust 11,000 108 
			 Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust 28,000 0 
			 Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust 34,000 0 
			 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 0 4,706 
			 Humber NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 
			 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 3,312,000 355,870 
			 Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 66,000 816 
			 Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust 137,000 20,088 
			 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 1,355,000 0 
			 Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust 6,000 0 
			 London Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust 340,000 10 
			 Mersey Care NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 11,000 0 
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 28,000 0 
			 Newham University Hospital NHS Trust 499,000 645,732 
			 NHS Direct NHS Trust 0 0 
			 North Bristol NHS Trust 282,000 0 
			 North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust 15,000 1,223 
			 North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 288,000 239,148 
			 North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust 0 0 
			 North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 805,000 403,282 
			 Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust 87,000 53,752 
			 Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 
			 Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 
			 Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 55,000 174,847 
			 Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust 597,000 0 
			 Oxford Learning Disability NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust 4,000 221,847 
			 Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 351,000 181,152 
			 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 35,000 0 
			 Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust 236,000 41,090 
			 Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust 92,000 0 
			 Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Trust 44,000 0 
			 Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust 0 188 
			 Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust 30,000 0 
			 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 79,000 16,383 
			 Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 777,000 651,455 
			 Royal Liverpool Broadgreen Hospitals NHS Trust 7,000 25,180 
			 Royal Surrey County NHS Foundation Trust 59,000 0 
			 Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust 63,000 1,238 
			 Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust 20,000 29,156 
			 Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust 52,000 87,242 
		
	
	
		
			 Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust 3,000 3,964 
			 Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust 25,000 -163 
			 South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 South Downs Health NHS Trust 0 0 
			 South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 110,000 0 
			 South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 13,000 0 
			 South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust 22,000 10,790 
			 South West Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 South West London And St George's Mental Health NHS Trust 0 0 
			 South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 
			 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 285,000 170,105 
			 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust 0 0 
			 St George's Healthcare NHS Trust 520,000 0 
			 St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust 20,000 82 
			 Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 207,000 43,019 
			 The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust 1,014,000 479,336 
			 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 238,000 0 
			 The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust 0 0 
			 The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust 63,000 6,897 
			 Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust 4,000 0 
			 United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust 31,000 1,284 
			 University Hospital of North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust 0 0 
			 University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust 95,000 0 
			 University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust 563,000 247,291 
			 University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust 43,000 2,586 
			 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust 6,000 9,920 
			 West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust 193,000 354,798 
			 West London Mental Health NHS Trust 0 0 
			 West Middlesex University NHS Trust 235,000 0 
			 West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust 22,000 28,258 
			 Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 6,000 0 
			 Weston Area Health NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 355,000 198,656 
			 Whittington Hospital NHS Trust 69,000 0 
			 Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust 160,000 17,714 
			 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust 0 0 
			 Total 17,036,000 6,967,260 
			 Note: We do not collect data from national health service foundation trusts so. figures exclude these sites. Source: National Health Service Trust Audited Summarisation Schedules.

Hospital Wards: Gender

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in reducing mixed-sex accommodation in NHS hospitals in (a) Kettering, (b) Northamptonshire and (c) England.

Simon Burns: Monthly reporting of progress with eliminating mixed-sex accommodation (MSA) guidance was introduced in December 2010. Before this, there were no accurate data on how many patients suffered the indignity of sharing with someone of the opposite sex. Now, hospitals providing national health service-funded care report all breaches of MSA sleeping guidance.
	Progress has been excellent, with reported breaches nationally falling by 83% between December 2010 and May 2011.
	Alongside the absolute number of breaches, an MSA breach rate is published to enable comparison between organisations. This is the number of breaches per 1,000 finished consultant episodes.
	
		
			 Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 
			 Month Number of breaches Breach rate 
			 December 2010 212 30.8 
			 January 2011 58 8.7 
			 February 2011 9 1.4 
			 March 2011 13 17 
			 April 2011 0 0.0 
			 May 2011 5 0.7 
		
	
	
		
			 NHS providers located in Northamptonshire (1) 
			 Month Number of breaches Breach rate 
			 December 2010 (2)212 13.3 
			 January 2011 58 3.8 
			 February 2011 9 0.6 
			 March 2011 13 0.7 
			 April 2011 0 0.0 
			 May 2011 5 0.3 
		
	
	
		
			 England 
			 Month Number of breaches Breach rate 
			 December 2010 11,802 8.4 
			 January 2011 8,708 6.4 
			 February 2011 7,583 6.0 
			 March 2011 5,466 3.6 
			 April 2011 2,660 1.9 
			 May 2011 2,011 1.4 
			 (1) Data are not collected at county level. NHS providers located in Northamptonshire include Northamptonshire Teaching Primary Care Trust, Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. All except Kettering have reported zero breaches. Northamptonshire Healthcare did not report in December 2010. (2) Incomplete data.

Khat

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital admissions he estimates were linked to the use of khat in each of the last five years.

Anne Milton: This information is not collected centrally. In data returns on hospital admissions due to drug use, khat is not separately identified.

Khat

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the impact of khat on the health of users.

Anne Milton: The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) submitted advice on khat in December 2005. In October 2010 the Home Office published a research report on “Perceptions of the social harms caused by khat use” which included comments on perceived health harms.
	The Government have asked the ACMD to update its assessment of khat and to convene the review at the next available opportunity within its work programme.

Leukaemia: Drugs

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has had with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on its Final Appraisal Determination meeting held on 9 June 2011 in respect of the recommendation on the use of dasatanib, nilotinib and high-dose imatinib.

Simon Burns: We have had no such discussions. Ministers are clear that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is an independent body and must be free to develop its technology appraisal guidance based on the best available evidence.

Life Expectancy

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the effect on life expectancy of levels of air pollution in (a) London and (b) England.

Anne Milton: The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has estimated(1) the effect on life expectancy from birth of removing all man-made fine particulate matter (PM2.5), an important air pollutant, for inner London, and for England and Wales on the basis of 2008 data. Research has shown that for inner London, removing man-made PM2.5 would lead to an increase of life expectancy of about nine months and the corresponding assessment for England and Wales would be approximately six months. The difference is due to the higher concentration of man-made PM2.5 in inner London.
	(1) The Mortality Effects of Long Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution in the United Kingdom:
	www.comeap.org.uk/documents/128-the-mortality-effects-of-long-term-exposure-to-particulate-air-pollution-in-the-uk.html

Lung Cancer: Screening

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve the detection of lung cancer symptoms in primary care; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: To support earlier detection of cancer the Government have committed more than £450 million over the next four years. This money will give general practitioner (GPs) improved access to a range of diagnostic tests, including chest X-ray to support the diagnosis of lung cancer, and will fund campaign activity that aims to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and to encourage people to visit their GP when they have symptoms.
	Building on the success of our cancer awareness activity to date, which includes 59 local projects on lung, bowel and breast cancer and regional pilots for a national bowel cancer campaign, plans are now being developed for the next round of initiatives. These may include lung cancer symptom campaigns.

NHS Commissioning Board

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish information on the number of staff to be employed by the NHS Commissioning Board.

Simon Burns: Sir David Nicholson, chief designate of the NHS Commissioning Board, published “Developing the NHS Commissioning Board” on 8 July 2011. This document sets out further details about the design and operating model of the NHS Commissioning Board, including an estimate of expected staff numbers.
	This document has been placed in the Library.

NHS Future Forum

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 29 June 2011, Official Report, column 871W, on NHS Future Forum, 
	(1)  whether (a) he or (b) Ministers in his Department played a role in selecting (i) Professor Field and (ii) members of the NHS Future Forum; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what steps he took to ensure the independence of the NHS Future Forum when appointing senior members to it.

Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 29 June 2011, Official Report, column 871W, that the guiding principle for membership was to ensure that there was a wide range of stakeholders represented from different professional groups, the national health service and local government, the third sector and patient organisations. The Secretary of State for Health and other departmental Ministers were involved in selecting and confirming the appointment of the chair and other members of the NHS Future Forum.
	There were no restrictions placed on the NHS Future Forum as to whom it spoke to and met with or to the advice and recommendations it was able to make.

NHS: Conditions of Employment

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2011, Official Report, column 872W, on NHS: conditions of employment, what estimate he has made of the proportion of NHS staff that will see changes to their (a) pay and (b) terms and conditions in each of the next five years.

Simon Burns: No estimate has been made of the number of staff that will see changes to their pay and terms and conditions in each of the next five years.
	The Government have indicated that decisions on pay will be made by health care employers rather than decided by the Government. In future, all individual employers will have the right, as foundation trusts have now, to determine pay for their own staff. However, the Government believe that many providers will want to continue to use the existing national contracts as a basis for local terms and conditions.
	Staff moving to new organisations may have their current terms and conditions protected under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations and any changes to terms and conditions must comply with employment law.

NHS: Drugs

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what means levels of compensation are determined for specific medicines distributed by NHS pharmacists on a medicine-by-medicine basis; and whether this system takes into account price differences across chemically similar medicines.

Simon Burns: Payment for drugs and appliances provided by community pharmacies operating under the community pharmacy contractual framework is a Secretary of State determination and is set out each month in the Drug Tariff.
	The prices listed in part VIII of the Drug Tariff indicate what dispensers will be paid for dispensing prescriptions written generically. Dispensers can fulfil the prescription with whichever product they want or is available to them (brand or generic), but regardless of which product they supply, if there is a price in part VIII, they will only be paid this price. Prices in part VIII are established according to which category the price is in. Those in category M are set using sales and volume information from manufacturers, while also taking into account the findings of a pharmacy medicines margins survey, which monitors the amount of margin pharmacies earn on the medicines they dispense. Those in category C are set on the national health service list price of a specific named product.
	The reimbursement price of branded products is the NHS list price established under the 2009 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme, which is a voluntary agreement, agreed between the Department and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, or where not covered by the voluntary agreement, there is statutory scheme.
	Any price differences across chemically similar medicines are determined by these two schemes.

Older People: Preventive Medicine

Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration he has given to Frontier Economic's findings on Social Return on Investment that investment in the WRVS services in preventive care for older people saves money for the NHS and local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: The report was commissioned by the WRVS and has not been formally submitted to the Department.
	However, the Department recognises that investment in integrated preventive services by the national health service and local authorities can lead to better outcomes for individuals including helping people to live independently for longer, and can also realise efficiencies for both the NHS and local authorities. That is why we have invested £150 million in the NHS this year to support re-ablement, which will help people recover their independence after a spell in hospital.

Patients: Transport

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on criteria used for the provision of transport for non-urgent cases to hospital; and if he will revise the current guidance issued by his Department in this respect.

Simon Burns: There has been one parliamentary question raised since the start of this Administration's term in government, posed by my hon. Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lunesdale (David Morris), who asked what steps the Government are taking to prevent misuse of hospital transport by those who do not have a valid medical reason to use the service.
	In 2005, the White Paper “Our Health, Our Care, Our Say”, made a commitment to extend eligibility for non-emergency patient transport services (PTS) to procedures that were traditionally provided in hospital, but are now available in a community setting. It also committed the Department to updating existing eligibility guidance (“Ambulance and other Patient Transport Services: Operation, Use and Performance Standards”) published in 1991 and finance guidance documents (“Chapter 20 of the NHS Finance Manual Finance Arrangements for Ambulance Services”).
	Following a 13-week consultation in 2007, Ministers in response to these commitments approved changes to PTS eligibility.
	There are no current plans to revise the guidance further.

Primary Care Trusts: Expenditure

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by primary care trusts on (a) management costs and (b) in total on mental health disorders in (i) 1997-98 and (ii) 2009-10.

Simon Burns: Information on expenditure on managers and senior managers for 1997-98 and 2009-10 and expenditure on secondary health care relating to mental illness for 1997-98 and 2009-10 is in the following table.
	
		
			 £000 
			  2009-10 1997-98 
			 Managers and senior managers 1,041,803 189,922 
			 Mental illness 8,076,983 2,767,036 
		
	
	Primary care trusts did not exist in 1997-98. The figures for 1997-98 relate to spend by health authorities.

Psychotherapy

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to ensure that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on psychotherapy are an adequate expression of informed opinion in the field.

Paul Burstow: As an independent body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is responsible for the way in which it develops its guidance. NICE consults widely during the development of individual pieces of guidance, and also consults periodically on the methods and processes it uses to carry out its work.

Skin Cancer

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of patients were first diagnosed with 
	(1)  skin cancer as an emergency aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each year since 1997;
	(2)  metastatic melanoma as an emergency aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each year since 1997.

Paul Burstow: This information is not held centrally.
	The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) produced an analysis of cancer diagnosis, including for patients diagnosed as an emergency presentation, for all patients diagnosed with cancer, including melanoma, during 2007. A copy of the NCIN report “Route to diagnosis” has been placed in the Library, and it can also be found at:
	www.ncin.org.uk/publications/data_briefings/routes_to_diagnosis.aspx
	The findings of the NCIN report were considered in the development of “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, published on 12 January 2011, which sets out our intention to move forward on a new data collection which would allow routine assessment of the proportion of cancers diagnosed through emergency routes. Work is now under way to examine the feasibility of this.

Skin Cancer

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people received any active treatment for skin cancer aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust area in each year since 1997.

Anne Milton: Information concerning the number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) with a primary diagnosis of skin cancer for the age groups 49 years and under, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years and over 80 years in each primary care trust area in each year since 1997 has been placed in the Library. This information is not available at cancer network level.
	FCEs are a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are not the same as a count of people as a person may have more than one FCE in a given year. It should also be noted that, in the data provided, the treatment received during the FCE might not be directly related to the treatment of skin cancer.

Social Care: Reform

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  pursuant to the statement of 4 July 2011, Official Report, columns 1232-34, on reform of social care, how he intends to assess whether a (a) viable insurance market and (b) more diverse and responsive care market might be established as a result of the Dilnot Commission proposals;
	(2)  if he will meet insurance companies to discuss (a) whether and (b) how a viable insurance market might be established as a result of the Dilnot Commission proposals on social care;
	(3)  whether he plans to meet the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to discuss how a viable insurance market might be established as a result of the Dilnot Commission proposals on social care.

Paul Burstow: The Government will consult with stakeholders over the autumn on the Commission proposals and wider reform of social care. This will include engagement with the sector on whether a viable insurance market and a more diverse and responsible care market would be established as a result of the proposals.
	We will set out our plans for engagement in more detail shortly.

Social Services: Fees and Charges

Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to review his allocation of social care funding following the increase in the number of delayed discharges from hospital in May 2011.

Paul Burstow: No one should be made to stay in hospital longer than is necessary. The national health service and social care must work together to ensure people have the support they need on leaving hospital. Some patients need particular support after a spell in hospital to settle back into their homes, recover their strength and regain their independence. The coalition Government have recently increased the level of investment made available to local health and care services to spend on front-line services and helping people return to their homes after a spell in hospital.
	The spending review recognised the importance of social care in protecting the most vulnerable in society. In recognition of the pressures on the social care system in a challenging local government settlement, the coalition Government have allocated an additional £2 billion by 2014-15 to support the delivery of social care. This means, with an ambitious programme of efficiency, that there is enough funding available both to protect people's access to services and deliver new approaches to improve quality and outcomes.
	As part of this funding, this year funding of £150 million has been made available for re-ablement and £648 million for social care spend that benefits the NHS which could help to reduce the level of delayed discharges. The re-ablement money will help people to leave hospital more quickly, get settled back at home with the support they need, and to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.
	Local authorities are responsible for decisions on how to allocate their resources.

Speech Therapy

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the levels of support which will be required by commissioners to commission speech and language therapy services under his proposals for NHS reorganisation.

Simon Burns: Subject to the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill, clinical commissioning groups will in future commission the majority of NHS services. The Government's response to the NHS Future Forum Report makes clear that it will strengthen existing duties on clinical commissioning groups to secure professional advice and ensure this advice is from a full range of health professionals where relevant. In addition, clinical commissioning groups will receive expert support and advice from clinical networks and senates on the design and delivery of services.
	The NHS Commissioning Board will support clinical commissioning groups and hold them to account. The Board will develop commissioning guidance to support effective commissioning, and promote consistent national quality standards produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to ensure all patients, including those with speech and language therapy needs, receive high quality services.

Speech Therapy

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the introduction of (a) clinical commissioning groups and (b) health and wellbeing boards on services for those with speech, language and communication needs.

Simon Burns: Subject to the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill, general practitioners (GPs) will be given real responsibility to ensure that commissioning decisions are underpinned by clinical insight and knowledge of local healthcare needs. GPs, in partnership with other local healthcare professionals such as therapists and community nurses, are best placed to understand the speech, language and communication health needs of local populations and how to work with their local populations to design services that meet those needs.
	Clinical commissioning groups will work with elected councillors, local authority commissioners and representatives of patients and the public through health and wellbeing boards to develop a comprehensive analysis of health and social care needs in each local area, and to translate these into action through the joint health and wellbeing strategy and their own commissioning plans. Health and wellbeing boards will promote joined- up commissioning that will support integrated provision of services across health and social care. This should mean that groups such as users of speech, language and communication services experience health and care services that are better joined up and better meet their needs as individuals.

Speech Therapy

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to ensure that NHS commissioners have adequate skills to commission services for children with special educational needs and/or speech, language and communication needs under his proposals for NHS reorganisation.

Simon Burns: Subject to the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill, clinical commissioning groups will in future commission the majority of NHS services. The Government's response to the NHS Future Forum Report makes clear that they will strengthen existing duties on clinical commissioning groups to secure professional advice and ensure this advice is from a full range of health professionals where relevant In addition, clinical commissioning groups will receive expert support and advice from clinical networks and senates on the design and delivery of services.
	The NHS Commissioning Board will support clinical commissioning groups and hold them to account. The board will develop commissioning guidance to support effective commissioning, and promote consistent national quality standards produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to ensure all patients, including children with special educational needs and/or speech, language and communication needs, receive high quality services.
	In addition, we will ensure there is a particular emphasis within the emerging clinical commissioning group pathfinder programme of testing ways of ensuring that groups quickly develop knowledge and expertise in relation to more complex or specialist services.

St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of stroke patients admitted to the accident and emergency department of St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust in each month since January 2009.

Simon Burns: This information is not collected in the format requested.
	The following table provides the number of finished admission episodes, in which there was an emergency admission via accident and emergency (A&E) with a primary diagnosis of stroke, by month from January 2009.
	
		
			 A count of the finished admission episodes (1)  where the primary diagnosis (2 ) was stroke (3)  in which there was an emergency admission via A&E (4)  at St George's Healthcare NHS Trust; January 2009 to February 2011 (5, 6) 
			 Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector 
			 Final/provisional data Episode end month Finished admission episodes 
			 Final year data January 2009 60 
			  February 2009 68 
			  March 2009 66 
			  April 2009 72 
			  May 2009 57 
			  June 2009 64 
			  July 2009 64 
			  August 2009 53 
			  September 2009 65 
			  October 2009 62 
			  November 2009 64 
			  December 2009 74 
			  January 2010 80 
			  February 2010 72 
			  March 2010 59 
			    
			 Provisional data April 2010 67 
			  May 2010 60 
			  June 2010 69 
			  July 2010 75 
			  August 2010 105 
			  September 2010 117 
			  October 2010 119 
			  November 2010 103 
			  December 2010 117 
		
	
	
		
			  January 2011 95 
			  February 2011 94 
			 (1) Finished admission episodes A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. (2) Primary diagnosis The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. (3) Stroke It should be noted that the ICD-10 codes for Stroke are: I60 Subarachnoid haemorrhage I61 Intracerebral haemorrhage I62 Other nontraumatic intracranial haemorrhage I63 Cerebral infarction I64 Stroke not specified as haemorrhage or infarction (4) Emergency admission via A&E The method of admission code identifies how the patient was admitted to hospital. The following admission methods were used to classify an admission as being an emergency via A&E: 21 = Emergency: via A&E services, including the casualty department of the provider 28 = Emergency: other means, including patients who arrive via the A&E department of another healthcare provider). Data to be based on in-patients rather than A&E universe (5) Provisional data The data are provisional and may be incomplete or contain errors for which no adjustments have yet been made. Counts produced from provisional data are likely to be lower than those generated for the same period in the final dataset. This shortfall will be most pronounced in the final month of the latest period, ie November from the (month 9) April to November extract. It is also probable that clinical data are not complete, which may in particular affect the last two months of any given period. There may also be errors due to coding inconsistencies that have not yet been investigated and corrected. (6) Assessing growth through time HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. Note: Data quality HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES); Outpatients, The NHS Information Centre for health and social care

St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has undertaken an impact assessment of his proposed reform of the NHS on (a) patient care and (b) resources at St George's Healthcare NHS Trust; and if he will publish the result of any such assessment.

Simon Burns: The impact assessment, published alongside the Health and Social Care Bill, discussed the anticipated effects of the modernisation on patient care and the resources used. This was at a national level. A local breakdown of these effects is not available.
	A revised impact assessment will be published when the Bill is introduced into the House of Lords. This is in line with parliamentary protocol.

Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) Regulations 2010

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effects on bulk tobacconists of implementation of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) Regulations 2010;
	(2)  how much hand-rolling tobacco was sold by bulk tobacconists in pre-packed quantities with a weight of 250 grams or more in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many businesses supplying hand-rolling tobacco meet the definition of bulk tobacconist in the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) (England) Regulations 2010;
	(4)  what plans he has to review regulations relating to the supply of bulk tobacco.

Anne Milton: The legislation relating to the display of tobacco products does not apply to businesses in which tobacco products are only on display for the purposes of the tobacco trade and to people engaged in, or employed by that trade.
	The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) Regulations 2010 (“the regulations”) provide an exemption for retail stores that only sell bulk quantities of tobacco. No assessment has been made of the impact of the legislation on these businesses, because provisions for tobacco display will not come into effect for such businesses until April 2015. Before the regulations were made, following public consultation on the initial draft, the definition of bulk tobacconists in the regulations was amended to more accurately reflect the nature of bulk tobacco sales, based on the feedback received.
	The Department does not routinely collect data on sales of bulk tobacco. The Department does not hold precise figures on the number of businesses that will meet the definition of bulk tobacconist in the regulations but these types of stores will include both cash and carry type stores and duty free stores.
	The Government have committed to amend legislation on tobacco displays to delay implementation and make it less burdensome for retailers, as set out in the written ministerial statement made by the Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), on 9 March 2011, Official Report, columns 66-67WS. The amending regulations will include statutory duty to undertake a review, five years after the regulations have come fully into force.

Tuberculosis

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) children and (b) adults were diagnosed with tuberculosis in (i) Northamptonshire and (ii) England in (A) each of the last five years, (B) 2001, (C) 1996 and (D) 1991.

Anne Milton: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Children and adults diagnosed with tuberculosis, Northamptonshire and England, 2005-09 
			  Northamptonshire England 
			  Children 0-14 Adults 15+ All cases Children 0-14 Adults 15+ All cases 
			 1991 <5 38 38 449 4,805 5,436 
			 1996 <5 39 43 369 5,151 5,654 
			 2001 10 58 68 421 5,845 6,270 
			 2005 9 70 79 424 7,265 7,691 
			 2006 <5 66 68 367 7,352 7,720 
			 2007 <5 64 66 463 7,163 7,626 
			 2008 <5 63 66 458 7,484 7,942 
			 2009 <5 80 83 403 7,883 8,286 
			 Notes: 1. Northamptonshire has been defined by the following local authorities; Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough. 2. Data for 1990-98 were collected through notifications of infectious diseases (NOIDs), while data from 1999 onwards were collected from enhanced TB surveillance (ETS). 3. All cases include those with an unknown age, so numbers in adults and children may not add up to the total. 4. Where there are less than five cases, the exact value has not been given to avoid the risk of deductive disclosure of a patient's identity. Source: Health Protection Agency

Tuberculosis: Medical Treatments

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to fund the Find and Treat Tuberculosis Project and the mobile X-ray screening unit after April 2012.

Anne Milton: The national health service in London has funded the Find and Treat service since April 2011. Therefore, decisions about future funding of Find and Treat will be made by the NHS in London, in the context of their current review of tuberculosis (TB) services in London which will lead to a TB plan for London due later this year.
	The Department commissioned the Health Protection Agency to evaluate the Find and Treat service (including the mobile X-ray unit).
	The final evaluation report, which is subject to academic peer review, indicates that the service is both clinically and cost effective.

Tuberculosis: Medical Treatments

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation of the Find and Treat Tuberculosis Service and mobile X-ray screening unit his Department has carried out; what the conclusions were of the final evaluation; and when he will make the full report publicly available.

Anne Milton: The Department commissioned the Health Protection Agency to evaluate the Find and Treat service (including the mobile X-ray unit).
	The final evaluation report, which is subject to academic peer review, indicates that the service is both clinically and cost effective. Once the report has been peer-reviewed and finalised, it will be made publicly available.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Abyei

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what efforts his Department is making to broker a lasting solution to the dispute over Abyei.

Henry Bellingham: The Abyei Interim Agreement of 20 June ought to lead to the swift withdrawal of Sudanese armed forces and the deployment of Ethiopian peacekeepers under an UN mandate. We are fully committed to finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the Abyei issue and will remain engaged with the rest of the international community and both Sudan and South Sudan, as we move beyond the secession of South Sudan on 9 July.

Access to Work Programme

Anne McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many disabled people are being supported in employment in his Department under its access to work programme.

Henry Bellingham: None. Ministerial Government Departments directly fund workplace support for their own disabled staff, instead of using access to work. The HR Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides support for disabled staff. As of 4 July, 258 members of staff have disclosed a disability and those that require them have been provided with reasonable adjustments.

Afghanistan: Pakistan

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Government of Pakistan's policy to have a strategic role in the future of Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

William Hague: We agree with Pakistan that peace and stability in Afghanistan will not be achieved through force alone and that the key is a genuinely representative political outcome that addresses the political and economic aspirations of all Afghan citizens, and the wider region. Pakistan has a positive role to play in supporting this Afghan-led process.
	The UK encourages greater co-operation between Afghanistan and Pakistan which will help improve peace and security on both sides of their borders. We warmly welcome the recent strengthening of the Afghanistan-Pakistan bilateral relationship including the recent visits of Prime Minister Gilani to Kabul and President Karzai to Pakistan.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions he has discussed the drawdown of NATO forces in Afghanistan with his (a) Russian, (b) Chinese and (c) Pakistani counterpart.

William Hague: The transition of security responsibilities from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to Afghan forces and the corresponding gradual drawdown of ISAF troops during this process is an issue on which ISAF and the Afghan Government routinely keep other countries in the region updated. In addition, the UK regularly engages with Russia, China and Pakistan on Afghan-related issues. Troop drawdown was discussed with these countries most recently at a meeting of the International Contact Group in Kabul on 26-27 June.

Africa: Piracy

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the safety of UK ships off the (a) east and (b) west coast of Africa from the threat of piracy.

Henry Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), is in regular contact with ministerial colleague on these matters and he attended an NSC discussion on Somalia on 11 July, where piracy was discussed.
	The Prime Minister recently discussed Somali piracy with his counter-parts at the G8 summit, where partners underlined their determination to continue to respond resolutely to the threat. The G8 remains focused on the safety of shipping in both east and west Africa.
	I recently chaired two cross-Whitehall ministerial working groups, with the Under-Secretary of State for Transport and the Minister for the Armed Forces, the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey), to discuss the threat of Somali piracy. The working group recently visited the EU's Counter-Piracy HQ at Northwood, and met senior figures from industry.

Bahrain: Torture

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Bahrain authorities on recent reports of torture suffered by patients in hospital who may have been involved in opposition rallies.

Alistair Burt: We continue to raise the UK's strong concerns over many credible reports of human rights abuses and allegations of torture in Bahrain. We call on the Government to investigate them fully and transparently and for the Bahraini authorities to act in accordance with the law.
	The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), made clear the UK's concerns when he met the Crown Prince of Bahrain on 25 May. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), discussed our concerns when he met the Crown Prince on 31 May and again on 23 June during their telephone call. Our ambassador in Bahrain continues to regularly raise the issue of human rights in his contact with the Bahrain Government.

British Nationals Abroad: Detainees

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are in detention in each overseas country without having been charged; and for how long each has been detained.

Henry Bellingham: As of March 2011 we were aware of 2,076 British nationals in detention overseas, a figure which includes individuals detained at all stages of the legal process. We are unable to estimate how many of those have been detained without charge in individual foreign countries. Estimating this figure, and how long they have been detained in each case, would prove difficult and incur disproportionate cost. We aim to contact British nationals, depending on local circumstances, within 24 hours of being told of their arrest or detention. We will consider approaching the local authorities if a British national is not treated in line with internationally-accepted standards, including if their trial is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

China: Water

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a regional water sharing agreement between China and India was discussed during the visit of the Chinese Premier to the UK in June 2011.

Alistair Burt: A regional water sharing agreement between China and India was not discussed during the visit of the Chinese Premier to the UK in June 2011.

Special Advisers

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what expenses were claimed by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers working in his Department in the last 12 months.

David Lidington: Over the last 12 months, the Department's special advisers claimed £21.49 in expenses. This was on passport pictures and a taxi fare. The Department has no unpaid special advisers.

Departmental Dismissal

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials in his Department were dismissed for under-performance as a result of the procedures arising from his Department's staff appraisal system in each of the last three years.

Henry Bellingham: Records are only available for UK-based Foreign and Commonwealth officials. Records for overseas-based locally employed officials are not centrally held and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	There have been fewer than five dismissals in each of the last three years. Details are withheld on the grounds of confidentiality.

Departmental Travel

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on private charter aircraft in each of the last 10 years.

David Lidington: With regard to ministerial travel for the period since May 2010, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle) on 5 May 2011, Official Report, column 880W. For the period from 1999 to May 2010, the previous Government published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. Where private charter aircraft were used, this was shown in the list. The previous Government also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Copies of the lists are available in the Library of the House.
	The following expenditure has been incurred in 2011 in respect of charter planes used for evacuations of British nationals and eligible persons:
	Egypt: £178,894;
	Libya: £1,107,462;
	Japan: £780,121; and
	Bahrain £175,546 (total £2,251,624).
	As I said in my written ministerial statement on 4 July 2011, following our review of consular evacuation procedures, the security and well-being of British nationals is always our absolute priority in a crisis.
	Prior to 2011, £213,400 was paid for charter flights for the repatriation of tsunami victims on 30 and 31 December 2004, and £52,998 was paid to transport staff to assist evacuation from Lebanon on 20 July 2006. Further figures are not held centrally, and are available only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Travel

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent on chartered boats in each of the last 10 years.

David Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) incurred costs of £9,600 in respect of evacuation by ship from Libya in 2011.
	Complete figures for previous years are not held centrally, and are available only at disproportionate cost.

Egypt: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the capacity of (a) international aid organisations and (b) other non-governmental organisations to operate in Egypt.

Alistair Burt: There is a wide range of international and non-government organisations (NGOs) operating in Egypt. Some local human rights NGOs are taking part in working groups to advise on the drafting of a new law on the registration process for NGOs.
	The UK has committed £1.2 million through the Arab Partnership to support the political transition in Egypt. Our embassy in Cairo is in close contact with a range of local and international non-governmental organisations, Government officials, the opposition and activists to identify the most useful interventions. They are making progress in developing programmes that address Egypt's political, economic and structural needs.
	UN organisations, such as UN Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), are also active in identifying programmes to support the transition to a civilian-led democratic Government. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recently agreed to donate £100,000 from its Human Rights and Democracy Fund to the OHCHR to support the setting up of a Regional Office for North Africa in Cairo and a Country Office in Tunisia.

Embassies: Working Conditions

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking in relation to the treatment of domestic staff in embassies in London.

Henry Bellingham: The FCO treats any allegation of mistreatment of domestic workers in diplomatic households very seriously. The police investigate allegations that the law has been broken by persons entitled to immunity and report the results to the FCO. When an allegation is brought to our attention by the police, we liaise as necessary with the relevant diplomatic mission and the UK Border Agency to work for an appropriate response. In the case of an allegation of mistreatment requiring further investigation by the police, the FCO will request a waiver of the diplomat's immunity from the diplomatic mission concerned on behalf of the police. Failure to provide a waiver may result in a request to the mission for withdrawal of the diplomat. In 2010 there were two cases involving allegations of mistreatment of a domestic worker in a diplomatic household.
	In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 (VCDR) foreign diplomats accredited in the UK are entitled to employ domestic workers. Under article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations it is the duty of all diplomats:
	“to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.”
	This applies to the terms and conditions of employment for all domestic staff. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) regularly reminds all foreign missions based in the UK of their obligations under the law, most recently in February 2011.

EU Relations

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has entered into with his European counterparts regarding the promotion of greater market integration in (a) European energy markets, (b) European services markets and (c) European digital services markets.

Edward Davey: As Minister responsible of many of the policy areas in this question I have been asked to reply.
	Energy
	Market integration of European energy markets is a priority for the UK in delivering our objectives of secure and affordable energy. This issue is regularly discussed by Ministers across Whitehall Departments at European as well as bilateral engagements.
	European services markets
	During meetings with counterparts in other States, I use every opportunity to stress the importance of completing the Single Market for services. I raised this at the Competitiveness Council on 9 March 2011. The European Commissioner responsible for this area, Michel Barnier, visited the UK at the beginning of April when he discussed this matter with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable). I hosted a ministerial meeting on 6 July in Lancaster House (attended by ministerial and official representatives from the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Ireland, Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and Latvia) where we agreed to unite our efforts and jointly lobby European Commission to accelerate the pace of implementation of the Services Directive and to promote the Digital Single Market.

Foreign Relations

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date each bilateral agreement was enacted between the UK and (a) Brazil, (b) the Russian Federation, (c) India and (d) China since 1997.

William Hague: I have written to the right hon. Gentleman. A copy of the letter is in the Library of the House.

Gambia High Commission: Manpower

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he expects there to be changes to the number of staff employed in the Gambian high commission as a result of the closure of bilateral aid programmes from the UK.

Henry Bellingham: There are no changes envisaged to the number of staff employed in our high commission in the Gambia as a result of the closure of bilateral aid programmes from the UK. DFID had contracted a locally engaged officer to help oversee the winding down of DFID's Gambia bilateral programme. Their contract ended in March 2011 and DFID has no plans to renew the contract. As with all our posts, we keep staffing levels under regular review. The UK continues to invest substantially in the Gambia through a variety of programmes delivered through our high commission, totalling over £120,000. Development support to the Gambia also continues through our contributions to multilateral organisations such as the European Union. For 2008-09 the figure for attributed UK aid to the Gambia through multilateral organisations was £923,000.

Germany: World War II

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to commemorate the White Rose resistance movement; and if he will make a statement. [R]

David Lidington: While I applaud the valiant resistance demonstrated by the White Rose movement, I do not currently plan to take steps to commemorate it.

Germany: World War II

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of each item of information held by his Department on the White Rose resistance movement; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: Information Management Department have searched FCO records, including records already transferred to the National Archives, but have been unable to find any references to the White Rose resistance movement.
	While I applaud the valiant resistance demonstrated by the White Rose movement, I do not currently plan to take steps to commemorate it.

Government Communications Headquarters: Bude

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many US personnel are based at GCHQ Bude.

David Lidington: Government Communications Headquarters Bude employs approximately 200 people and supports the interests of the UK and its allies. It is long-standing policy not to provide a detailed breakdown of staffing.

Italy: Higher Education

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed with his Italian counterpart the implementation in Italian law of judgments of the European Court of Justice in respect of the position in Italy of UK and other foreign national lecturers.

David Lidington: The UK Government continue to bring to the attention of the Italian authorities the issue of discrimination over jobs and pay against UK and foreign national lecturers in Italian universities. I raised the issue with the Italian Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini, on 21 June 2011. I am also writing to ask him what steps his Government will put in place to secure a resolution to this longstanding issue.
	The Italian Government maintain the position that Italian legislation is compliant with the European Court of Justice (ECJ) judgments, and the issue is now a matter for individual universities. The universities remain adamant that the issue cannot be resolved without additional funding from the Government.

Italy: Sikhs

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed with his Italian counterpart the respect given by Italian Government authorities to the Sikh turban.

David Lidington: I am aware of specific incidents in Italy where members of the Sikh community have been asked to remove their turbans for security checks at airports. I understand the distress this will have caused. According to reports from our embassy in Rome, the Italian authorities confirmed in June that Sikhs would no longer be required to remove their turbans at airports. The Minister of State, Department for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), wrote to all her EU counterparts in June to explain a trial being undertaken in the UK of an alternative procedure for delivering elements of EU regulations on screening passengers prior to travel. I hope this procedure will be considered by EU authorities.

Kenya: Clara Gutteridge

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether during his recent visit to Kenya he made representations to the Kenyan Government in respect of Clara Gutteridge, who was deported from Kenya on 10 May 2011.

Henry Bellingham: I visited Kenya in late May 2011. Although I did not raise Ms Gutteridge's case on that occasion, I raised it with Prime Minister Odinga during his recent visit to London in July. The UK Government have taken her case very seriously and raised it with the Kenyan authorities on a number of occasions since her deportation. In particular, we have raised concerns that her deportation was in response to legitimate work on human rights issues related to terrorism suspects transferred to Uganda, rather than on grounds relating to counter-terrorism. We have also publicly and privately raised concerns about allegations of rendition, which I know is a particular focus of the work she was involved with.

Languages

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on the proportion of its officials who speak (a) French, (b) German, (c) Spanish, (d) Portuguese, (e) Russian, (f) Arabic, (g) Mandarin Chinese, (h) Hindi, (i) Punjabi, (j) Sindhi and (k) Japanese.

William Hague: Based on our 2010 central HR database records, the approximate proportions of UK-based staff with language skills registered are:
	(a) French: 52%
	(b) German: 29%
	(c) Spanish: 18%
	(d)Portuguese: 4%
	(e) Russian: 6%
	(f) Arabic: 4%
	(g ) Mandarin: 3%
	(h) Hindi: 1%
	(i) Punjabi: Less than 1%
	(j) Sindhi: Less than 1%
	(k)Japanese: 3%.
	We are creating extra speaker slots in the FCO network in line with foreign policy priorities, including in the middle east, China, and Latin America. We will invest in additional full-time language training for officers appointed to these positions where necessary.

Libya

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has been spent from the public purse on Musa Kusa (a) during his recent visit to the UK and (b) since his departure for Qatar.

Alistair Burt: As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) said to the House on 4 April 2011, Official Report, column 752, Musa Kusa flew to the UK from Tunisia of his own volition, having notified our authorities shortly before his departure of his intention to travel here. The Government neither provided nor paid for Musa Kusa's travel and he has received no direct payment from the Government, nor subsidy for accommodation. No aspects of Musa Kusa's visit to Qatar have been paid for by the Government. We cannot comment on expenditure relating to his personal security in the UK and wider national security issues.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed UN Security Council Resolution 1973 with his (a) Chinese and (b) Russian counterpart since the start of Operation Ellamy.

William Hague: I am in regular contact with my Chinese and Russian counterparts in various forums on a range of issues including Libya. The Prime Minister and Chinese Premier Wen set out their views on Libya to the media at the UK-China summit on 27 June. The Prime Minister also discussed Libya with President Medvedev in the margins of the G8 summit on 26 May.

Libya: Armed Conflict

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has made any requests to other countries for (a) financial and (b) military assistance for the operation in Libya.

Alistair Burt: There is a regular ongoing dialogue with international partners including the UN, NATO, EU and within the Libya Contact Group on funding and military assistance. It is clear that there is a broad international coalition in support of the operation in Libya and many nations are contributing.

Lithuania: Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of levels of anti-Semitism in Lithuania since May 2010; what recent discussions he has had with his Lithuanian counterpart on anti-Semitism in Lithuania; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: Our embassy in Vilnius reports all incidents of anti-Semitism in Lithuania to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. There have been a number of anti-Semitic incidents since May 2010. We take a serious view of these incidents and continue to urge the Lithuanian authorities to tackle them in a determined way. My hon. Friend will know that the UK is committed to fighting discrimination and intolerance. Combating all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, is an important part of the UK Government's human rights policy.

Lithuania: World War II

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the adoption by the Parliament of Lithuania of legislation on compensation for Jewish property looted during the second world war; and if he will make a statement.

David Lidington: I welcome the adoption by the Lithuanian Parliament on 21 June 2011 of a law which will provide compensation for communal and religious property owned by the Jewish community of Lithuania before the second world war. This compensation will support the ongoing social and cultural life of the Jewish community in Lithuania and help ensure that their historical contribution to that country and Europe is remembered. This law, signed by the Lithuanian President, Dalia Grybauskaite, on 5 July 2011, approves the decision to pay 128 million Litas (approximately £32 million) in the next 10 years to compensate Jewish people for the property expropriated from them by totalitarian regimes.
	The compensation will be paid during the period 2013-23 and transferred to a special fund administered by a governing body representing the Jewish community in Lithuania.

Members: Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter of 2 June 2011 from the hon. Member for Walsall North regarding Professor Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar.

Alistair Burt: The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne) replied to the hon. Member for Walsall North's letter of 2 June 2011 on 6 July.
	It is the long-standing policy of the UK Government to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne) has written to the Indian high commissioner in London setting out the UK's strong opposition to the death penalty, urging the Government of India to commute such sentences to life imprisonment and calling for the establishment of a formal moratorium on the death penalty, with a view to its abolition. He also raised this issue with Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao when they met on 28 June, and also with the Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur during their meeting on 5 July. We have likewise raised our concerns about the end of the de facto moratorium on the death penalty through the EU.
	We will continue to press for the abolition of the death penalty.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Israeli Government regarding the observance of UN Security Council Resolution 1860 and the naval blockade of Gaza.

Alistair Burt: The UK recognises that Israel has legitimate security concerns that must continue to be safeguarded, and believes that efforts to maintain security while enabling movement and access for Palestinian people and goods are critical.
	We remain clear that the situation in Gaza is both a tragedy and unsustainable. While there is no humanitarian crisis, there is an enduring need for humanitarian aid. We have also been clear that actions by both Israel and Hamas have contributed to this situation. Working closely with the EU and Quartet, we continue to call on Israel to ease restrictions on access and enable a return to economic normality. During my recent visit to the region, I explained the risks to Israel from the current situation in Gaza.
	Israel's decision to move from a list of 120 permitted goods to a list of specific prohibited items was a positive step. However there has been no fundamental change in the crossings regime and economic stagnation and de-development in Gaza remain the norm. We are clear that more needs to be done, particularly to enable exports, accelerate key imports for reconstruction and ensure free movement of people. Without economic growth in Gaza, there is a risk of fostering a more broadly radicalised environment. An improved economy and a resurgence of Gaza's pragmatic business fraternity are not only essential for the people of Gaza, but are also firmly in Israel's security interests.

Middle East: Natural Gas

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the effects of gas explosions in Israel and Jordan in recent months.

Alistair Burt: On 17 June, local press reported a gas explosion killed four people and injured more than 60 in the Israeli coastal town of Netanya. The Israeli police said the blast was likely to have been caused by negligence and confirmed the attack was not an act of terrorism. One person has been arrested.
	I am also aware of reports that the pipeline that carries natural gas from Egypt to Israel and Jordan has been attacked three times this year, the most recently on 4 July. After the fall of President Mubarak, an agreement was reached between the Egyptian military and Bedouin tribes that only Bedouins can guard the pipeline's control rooms. The gas deal and the pipeline have long been unpopular as it is seen as a symbol of Egypt's unpopular peace treaty with Israel.

Military Aircraft: Exports

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department are taking to promote the export of (i) Hawk Mk. 128 and (ii) Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft

Alistair Burt: The promotion of British commerce and international trade is a core UK foreign policy objective. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers and UK missions overseas are promoting strongly key UK defence sector export opportunities at relevant meetings at home and overseas, in close co-ordination with the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation. These defence sector commercial priorities include Hawk and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Military Aircraft: Exports

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions with other governments (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have had on the export of (i) Hawk Mk. 128 and (ii) Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft

Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers promote actively key UK defence sector export opportunities at relevant meetings with their international counterparts, complementing action by other UK Government Ministers. Among other engagements, this has included the promotion of Eurofighter Typhoon with the Indian Government, and the Government welcome strongly the selection of Typhoon for the final phase of India's medium multi-role combat aircraft competition.

Military Aircraft

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compliance of use of armed remotely-piloted aircraft by other countries with the provisions of (a) the Geneva Conventions, (b) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and (c) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

David Lidington: The assessment of whether armed remotely-piloted aircraft are being used in compliance with international obligations is a question of fact in each case. All states must abide by their legal obligations.

Morocco: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent demonstrations in Morocco.

Alistair Burt: There have been a number of demonstrations in Morocco in recent months calling for socio-economic change and political reform. Demonstrations continue to be scheduled. We assess that significant public unrest is unlikely in the short term. The Foreign Secretary has welcomed preliminary indications of a positive outcome in the referendum on the new draft constitution for the Kingdom of Morocco. We look forward to the implementation of these reforms in Morocco and parliamentary elections later in the year.

Netherlands: Slaughterhouses

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise (a) at the United Nations and (b) with the European Commission the prohibition by the Netherlands of the practice of shechita; and if he will make a statement. [R]

David Lidington: The Dutch Parliament is currently considering a draft law on the prohibition of the ritual slaughter of animals. However, this is a matter for the Dutch Government and Parliament accountable to the people of the Netherlands. We have no plans to raise this subject with the UN or the EU Commission.

Netherlands: Slaughterhouses

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with his Dutch counterpart the compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights of the prohibition of the practice of shechita in the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement. [R]

David Lidington: The Dutch Parliament is currently considering a draft law on the prohibition of the ritual slaughter of animals. However, this is a matter for the Dutch Government and Parliament.

Nuclear Disarmament: Finance

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department's budget is for stimulating nuclear disarmament initiatives in 2011-12.

David Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is set to spend approximately £140,000 in 2011-12 on nuclear disarmament projects relating to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty. This is in addition to resource allocated to nuclear disarmament-related research by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
	Separate to our project spend, the majority of the FCO's resource towards making progress on nuclear disarmament comprises staff for multilateral negotiations, working groups and table-top exercises.

Piracy: International Co-operation

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to seek international agreement on a new international legal framework to tackle piracy on the high seas and bring pirates to court.

Henry Bellingham: Maritime piracy is a crime of universal jurisdiction and does not require a new international legal framework to bring pirates to court. The Government welcome the efforts of Kenya, the Seychelles and other countries around the world in pursuing the prosecution of pirates, with more than 1,000 pirates now in custody in 20 different jurisdictions globally.
	The Government do not support the proposal to establish an extraterritorial Somali court on the basis that it would take time to set up and an interim solution would still be needed, the Somali Government are against a court outside of Somalia, which would contravene the Somali constitution, and it would not be cost effective in comparison to the costs of prosecution in national courts in the region or elsewhere. The Government believe that it is prison space rather than court capacity which remains the key capacity constraint, which an extraterritorial court would not solve. We have provided £5.3 million of support to the UN office on Drugs and Crime to build prison as well as court capacity in Somalia and other countries in the region.

Police: Secondment

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many police officers are seconded to his Department and working (a) in the UK and (b) abroad.

Henry Bellingham: We do not hold a central record of how many police officers are seconded to the FCO. We estimate the number is very small. 29 police officers are currently seconded to the Stabilisation Unit (a tri-departmental unit part funded by the FCO), of which two are in the UK and 27 overseas.

Saudi Arabia

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what the outcomes were of the visit by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what costs were incurred in each category of expenditure on the visit by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011;
	(3)  if he will place in the Library a copy of the schedule of the visit by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011;
	(4)  what the purpose was of the visit by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011.

Alistair Burt: I did not visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May 2011. I made a short visit to Saudi in April 2011, when I had a series of bilateral meetings, including with my opposite number the Deputy Foreign Minister; the Head of the Human Rights Commission; and a number of other Government Ministers. I had a productive dialogue on security, commerce and human rights and established relationships with some key interlocutors.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills regarding arms export licences to Saudi Arabia.

Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Ministry of Defence work closely to manage the UK's export licensing regime, which BIS leads on. As such officials are in constant touch including on Saudi Arabia. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has not discussed recently arms exports to Saudi Arabia with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable).

Sri Lanka: Broadcasting Programmes

Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Sri Lankan Government following allegations made in a recent television documentary on that country.

Alistair Burt: I spoke to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister on 14 June. I made it clear that the Sri Lankan Government need to address the allegations contained in the material recently shown in that television documentary and arising from the UN Panel of Experts Report. The UK has consistently called for an independent, thorough and credible enquiry into allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by both sides during the military conflict in Sri Lanka. In common with our partners in the international community, we expect to see progress on this by the end of the year.
	If the Sri Lankan Government do not respond the UK will work with the international community in considering all options available to press the Sri Lankan Government to fulfil their obligations.

Sudan

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the emergence of South Sudan as an independent state.

Henry Bellingham: South Sudan will become as an independent state on 9 July. There is much more work both north and south have to do in the coming days, not least on resolving the outstanding issues of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; a continuing UN presence; and the worrying humanitarian situation. We urge both north and south to work together up to and beyond 9 July and maintain peace and stability as new neighbours.

UN Resolutions

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions a draft resolution text has been circulated at the United Nations which was vetoed by (a) Russia and (b) China in the last five years.

William Hague: Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council Resolution on Burma on 12 January 2007. They also jointly vetoed a resolution on Zimbabwe on 11 July 2008. Russia alone vetoed a resolution on Georgia on 15 June 2009.

United States of America

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of changes in the relationship between the UK and the USA since the state visit of President Obama.

Alistair Burt: President Obama's state visit to the UK in May made clear the importance of the relationship ("not just special, but essential"). We are working closely together in Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere to bring security to people around the world. One million jobs in each of our countries depend on our investment partnership. We are each other's top partners in science, research and higher education, shaping the future of our economies and bringing jobs and growth to our citizens.
	A number of initiatives were announced during the visit to intensify further UK/US co-operation in a range of areas, including the establishment of a Joint Strategy Board, co-operation in higher education, science and research, on military families, development, and cyber-security. Work is now in hand to follow these up.

CABINET OFFICE

Access to Work Programme

Anne McGuire: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many disabled employees of his Department are receiving support from the access to work programme; and what proportion of the work force of his Department this figure represents.

Francis Maude: The Cabinet Office has no record of any staff receiving support from the access to work programme.

Breast Cancer: Bexley

David Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of people in each age group in the London borough of Bexley who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last year for which figures are available.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	.
	The latest available figures for newly diagnosed cases of cancer (incidence) are for the year 2008. Please note that these numbers may not be the same as the number of people diagnosed with cancer, because one person may be diagnosed with more than one cancer.
	The following table provides the numbers of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer in 2008 by age group for the London Borough of Bexley.
	
		
			 Table 1. Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer, (1, 2 ) by age group, Bexley, (3)  2008 (4) 
			   
			 Age group Cancer registrations (number) 
			 44 years and under 10 
			 45 to 49 18 
			 50 to 54 19 
			 55 to 59 13 
			 60 to 64 15 
			 65 to 69 16 
			 70 to 74 9 
			 75 to 79 23 
			 80 to 84 12 
		
	
	
		
			 85+ 16 
			 (1) Breast cancer is coded as C50 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). (2) Around 99% of breast cancer cases are in women. (3 )Based on boundaries as of May 2011. (4) Newly diagnosed cases registered in 2008.

Business

Steve Brine: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many new business start-ups there have been in Winchester constituency since the introduction of the national insurance contributions holiday for new businesses.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many new business start-ups there have been in Winchester constituency since the introduction of the National Insurance contributions holiday for new businesses.
	The requested information is not available. Annual statistics on the number of enterprise births are available from the ONS release on Business Demography at www.statistics.aov.uk. However, as the contribution holiday specified in the National Insurance Contributions Act 2011 relates only to new businesses set up from 22 June 2010 they are not covered by the latest statistics, which relate to business births in 2009. Statistics relating to births of enterprises in 2010 will be available in December 2011.

Charities Act 2006

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what candidates he is considering to undertake the independent review of the Charities Act 2006; what factors he will take into account in deciding whom to appoint to undertake the review; and when he plans to announce who will undertake the review.

Nick Hurd: Section 73 of the Charities Act 2006 requires the Minister for the Cabinet Office to appoint a person to undertake an independent review of the Charities Act 2006 before 8 November 2011. We are currently considering the terms of reference for the review, and various matters relating to the appointment. At this stage no decision has been made on who will be appointed to undertake the review. We expect to make an announcement after the summer recess.

Citizenship: Armed Forces

Michael Fallon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether members of combined cadet forces are eligible for the National Citizen Service pilots.

Nick Hurd: National Citizen Service is designed to bring together young people from different backgrounds in a programme of social action and personal development. Members of combined cadet forces are eligible to take part in National Citizen Service pilots, as are young people from all backgrounds who meet the age criteria for participation.

Citizenship: Kent

Michael Fallon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many young people from (a) Sevenoaks and (b) Kent he expects to participate in the National Citizen Service pilots.

Nick Hurd: The Government are piloting National Citizen Service in a wide range of locations across England in 2011. The Government anticipate that up to 150 young people will be able to take part in National Citizen Service pilots in Kent this year. Those young people will be drawn from a range of locations across Kent and there is no target specifically for young people in Sevenoaks. We hope that if successful at the pilot stage, National Citizen Service opportunities will be open to many more young people in future years.

Citizenship: Young Offenders

Michael Fallon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many young offenders he expects to participate in the National Citizen Service pilots.

Nick Hurd: National Citizen Service pilot providers are required to ensure that young people from a range of different backgrounds take part in their schemes. While the Government have not set a target for National Citizen Service participants who have been through the youth justice system, many of our pilot providers are highly experienced in working with this group and we expect that many participants will be drawn from this background. An independent evaluation of the pilot programme will provide data on the composition of the pilot participant cohorts.

Civil Servants: Disciplinary Proceedings

Richard Fuller: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many civil servants have been (a) dismissed and (b) disciplined in each (i) Government Department, (ii) agency and (iii) non-departmental public body in respect of a faith-related issue in each of the last five years.

Francis Maude: This information is not collected or held centrally. To obtain the information requested could not be done without exceeding the disproportionate cost threshold. There is no record of any cases in the Cabinet Office.

Civil Service: Performance Standards

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the civil service appraisal systems for managing performance.

Francis Maude: Effective performance management is the cornerstone of any successful organisation. There are a wide variety of different appraisal systems used across civil service departments, agencies and NDPBs. I have made it clear that reforming these performance management arrangements is essential. We need to make sure that talented stars can rise further and poor performance is managed.

Departmental Dismissal

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many officials in his Department were dismissed for under-performance as a result of the procedures arising from his Department's staff appraisal system in each of the last three years.

Francis Maude: There has been one case in September 2010 where a member of staff in Cabinet Office was dismissed for under-performance as a result of the procedures arising from the staff appraisal system. Two individuals resigned in 2010 and 2011 before they could be dismissed for failing their probationary period and both of these cases were due to under-performance. Another member of staff was returned from their loan early due to under-performance in 2010.

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

Francis Maude: I am not aware of any such requests being refused.

Economic Growth

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the level of economic growth excluding financial services in each of the last six quarters.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking for the level of economic growth excluding financial services in each of the last six quarters (63867).
	The latest period for which economic growth data are available is for the first quarter of 2011. The data in column 3 of the table below gives Gross Value Added (GVA) at basic prices excluding financial services for each quarter from 2009 Q4 to 2011 Q1. The data has been derived from data published in the Quarterly National Accounts Statistical Bulletin published on 28 June 2011. Comparable growths for total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices and GVA at basic prices are shown for comparison in columns 1 and 2.
	
		
			 GDP and GVA: Percentage growth on previous quarter 
			  GDP at market prices GVA at basic prices GVA less financial services 
			 2009    
			 Q4 0.5 0.6 0.7 
			     
			 2010    
			 Q1 0.4 0.4 0.4 
			 Q2 1.1 1.1 1.3 
			 Q3 0.6 0.6 0.7 
			 Q4 -0.5 -0.5 -0.4 
			     
			 2011    
			 Q1 0.5 0.5 0.6 
			 Note: The difference between GDP at market prices and GVA at basic prices is one of price basis—GDP includes taxes on products and excludes subsidies.

Employment

James Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many (a) UK nationals, (b) people born in the UK, (c) non-UK EU nationals and (d) non-EU nationals of working age were in employment in the (i) public and (ii) private sector in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available; and what proportion of the people employed in each sector the figures in each such category represent.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many (a) UK nationals, (b) people born in the UK, (c) non-UK EU nationals and (d) non-EU nationals of working age were in employment in the (i) public and (ii) private sector in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available; and what proportion of the people employed in each sector the figures in each such category represent. 63775
	The information requested is shown in the following tables. The estimates are derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and are not seasonally adjusted. As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. This is assessed in a footnote to the tables.
	Labour market statistics published in the monthly Labour Market Statistical Bulletin previously described as working age (men aged 16-64 and women aged 16-59) have now been replaced with statistics based on those aged 16-64 for both men and women. Consequently, the estimates provided have been produced on this basis.
	
		
			 People aged 16 to 64 in employment by public and private sector and by nationality and country of birth: United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted 
			 Thousand 
			  Public sector (1,2) Private sector (1,3) 
			  UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals (5) Non-EU nationals UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals (5) Non-EU nationals 
			 2010 Q2 6,680 6,324 171 280 18,851 17,803 984 930 
			 2010 Q3 6,699 6,336 161 248 19,161 18,094 1,034 930 
			 2010 Q4 6,683 6,298 164 237 19,087 18,028 1,030 937 
			          
			 2011 Q1(6) *6,673 *6,285 **189 **244 *18,928 *17,833 *1,095 *931 
		
	
	
		
			 Thousand 
			  Total employment (3,4) 
			  UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals (5) Non-EU nationals 
			 2010 Q2 25,701 24,287 1,169 1,222 
			 2010 Q3 26,052 24,608 1,204 1,187 
			 2010 Q4 25,927 24,468 1,206 1,185 
			      
			 2011 Q1(6) *25,770 *24,277 *1,296 *1,184 
		
	
	
		
			 People aged 16 to  64 in employment by public and private sector and by nationality and country of birth, as a proportion  of the total employment aged 16 to  64 in each sector: United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted 
			 Percentage 
			  Public sector (1,2) Private sector (1,3) 
			  UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals (5) Non-EU nationals UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals (5) Non-EU nationals 
			 2010 Q2 94 89 2 4 91 86 5 4 
			 2010 Q3 94 89 2 3 91 86 5 4 
			 2010 Q4 94 89 2 3 91 86 5 4 
			          
			 2011 Q1(6) 94 88 3 3 90 85 5 4 
		
	
	
		
			 Percentage 
			  Total employment (3,4) 
			  UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals (5) Non-EU nationals 
			 2010 Q2 91 86 4 4 
			 2010 Q3 92 87 4 4 
			 2010 Q4 92 86 4 4 
			      
			 2011 Q1(6) 91 86 5 4 
			 (1) It should be noted that public and private sector estimates: are based on survey respondents' views about the organisation for which they work; do not correspond to the National Accounts definition used for official Public Sector Employment estimates. (2) Includes nationalised industry or state corporation, central Government, civil service, local government or council (including police, fire services and local authority controlled schools or colleges), university or other grant-funded educational establishment, health authority or NHS trust and armed forces. (3) Includes self-employed and unpaid family workers. (4) Includes those whose type of employer was not known. (5) Comprises EU27. (6) Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates, as described below: Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: * 0 ≤ CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 ≤ CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ≥ 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes CV ≥ Coefficient of Variation Source: Labour Force Survey

Government Departments: Procurement

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011, Official Report, column 629W, on Government Departments: procurement, what mechanisms are in place to ensure EU member states comply with obligations to treat UK companies equally when procuring goods and services.

Francis Maude: Public authorities in other EU member states are required to treat UK companies equally when they procure goods and services, in accordance with the provisions in the EU procurement directives.
	The principal means of enforcement for a breach of the directives and other enforceable EU law such as the EU treaty are:
	action by suppliers or contractors against contracting authorities in accordance with member states' implementation of the relevant remedies directive; and
	infraction proceedings by the Commission against the member state that can result in escalation to the European Court of Justice.

Immigration

James Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people who were not UK citizens or citizens of another EU-member state have migrated to the UK in each quarter since the fourth quarter of 2009.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning how many people have migrated to the UK who were not UK citizens or citizens of another EU member state in each quarter since the 4th quarter of 2009 (64488)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes estimates of migrants entering and leaving the UK. The following table shows estimates of long-term migration by non-EU citizens for each quarter from the quarter ending March 2010 to September 2010. These data are provisional and are based upon the International Passenger Survey.
	These estimates are of numbers of moves each year rather than numbers of people. For instance, an individual could enter in one year, leave just over a year later and then enter again a year after that. They would appear three times in this table.
	These figures were provided as part of the response to the Parliamentary Question (Hansard Ref 63715) relating to the number of people who have immigrated to the UK who were not UK citizens or citizens of another EU member state in (b) Each of the last eight quarters for which figures are available.
	
		
			 Provisional long-term international migration estimates from International Passenger Survey: Immigration of non-EU citizens to the UK 2010  Q 1 to 2010  Q 3 ,  United Kingdom 
			 Thousand 
			  Estimate SE% (1) 
			 2010 Q1 65 5 
			 2010 Q2 40 6 
			 2010 Q3 134 4 
			 (1) Standard error percentages (SE%) indicate the robustness of each estimate. A migration figure with a standard error of >25% is not considered to be reliable. For any given estimate there is a 95% probability that the true figure lies in the range: estimate +/- 0,0196 x estimate x standard error %.

Lone Parents: Employment

Simon Hart: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many lone parents were (a) in employment and (b) unemployed in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire constituency in each year since 2008.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate has been made of the number of lone parents who are in a) employment and b) unemployed in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire constituency in each year since 2008. (65376)
	Estimates of the number of lone parents who are in employment and unemployed are derived from the Annual Population Survey (APS) household datasets. Datasets for 2008 and 2009 are available. However, due to the specific nature of your request it is not possible to provide reliable estimates because the sample sizes for this survey are not sufficiently large enough for the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire constituency.

Pay: Equality

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what statistics the Office for National Statistics collects on regional pay differentials.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what statistics the Office for National Statistics collects on regional pay differentials. (65096)
	The Office for National Statistics preferred measure of regional pay differences comes from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The latest survey results relate to April 2010, though results for April 2011 will be published in November 2011.
	Average levels of earnings are estimated from the ASHE, and are provided for all employees on adult rates of pay whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence. The ASHE, carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. Earnings estimates by area are available at region (formerly known as Government office region), local authority and parliamentary constituency levels.
	Information is produced for hourly, weekly and annual rates of pay for full and part-time employees by region, industry, occupation, age and gender. Further details on the survey are available from:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=15236

Skin Cancer: Mortality Rates

Paul Beresford: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people died from skin cancer aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust area in each year since 1997.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many people died from skin cancer aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust area in each year since 1997. (65423)
	Table 1 provides the number of deaths where skin cancer was the underlying cause, for people aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) 80 years and over, in each cancer network in England, for 1997 to 2009 (the latest year available).
	Table 2 provides the number of deaths where skin cancer was the underlying cause, for people aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) 80 years and over, in each primary care organisation in England, for 1997 to 2009 combined.
	Table 3 provides the number of deaths where skin cancer was the underlying cause, for people of all ages, in each primary care organisation in England, for 1997 to 2009.
	Figures in Tables 2 and 3 for primary care organisations have been provided separately due to small numbers of events, in line with the ONS policy on protecting confidentiality within birth and death statistics.
	Copies of Tables 1, 2 and 3 have been placed in the House of Commons library.

Suicide

William Bain: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will estimate the numbers of (a) suicides and (b) attempted suicides among terminally-ill patients being treated at home in each of the last four years.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking for an estimate of the numbers of (a) suicides and (b) attempted suicides among terminally-ill patients being treated at home in each of the last four years. (64810)
	The following table provides the number of suicides for persons aged 15 years and over, in England and Wales, for 2006 to 2009 (the latest year available).
	It is not possible from the information given at death registration to state whether the deceased was a terminally-ill patient or being treated at home at the time of death. When a death has been investigated by a coroner, further information may be available to ONS in the form of coroner's inquest text. However, this information may not be consistently collected and cannot be extracted without disproportionate cost.
	Figures are not available for the number of attempted suicides, since these data are not routinely collected. Results from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey for 2000 and 2007 (the two most recent surveys) estimated that 0.5 per cent of persons aged between 16 and 74 in England attempted suicide in 2000, and 0.7 per cent in 2007.(1)
	Suicide figures for persons aged 15 years and over in England and Wales from 1991 onwards are available on the National Statistics website at:
	www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=13618
	(1) The Health and Social Care Information Centre (2009) Adult psychiatric morbidity in England, 2007: “Results of a household survey”. Available at:
	http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/mental-health/mental-health-surveys/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-in-england-2007-results-of-a-household-survey
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of suicides for persons aged 15 years and over, England and Wales, 2006 to 2009 (1,2,3) 
			 Persons 
			  Deaths 
			 2006 4,504 
			 2007 4,306 
			 2008 4,587 
			 2009 4,675 
			 (1) Suicide was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes X60-X84 and Y10-Y34 (excluding Y33.9 where the Coroner's verdict was pending). From 2007, deaths which were previously coded to Y33.9 are coded to U50.9. (2) Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. (3) Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year.

Vacancies

Ian Austin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of job vacancies available in (a) England, (b) the west midlands and (c) Dudley borough in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what recent estimate has been made of the number of job vacancies available in (a) England, (b) the West Midlands and (c) Dudley borough in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available. (65485)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates the number of vacancies from the Vacancy Survey, however estimates below UK are not available from this source.
	An alternative source of information on job vacancies is administrative data from Jobcentre Plus. This data only includes job vacancies notified to Jobcentre Plus and consequently is inconsistent with the UK estimates from the Vacancy Survey, however geographical breakdowns of this data are available. Currently Jobcentre Plus vacancies account for around half of the total number of vacancies as reported by the Vacancy Survey.
	In Table 1, we have provided the number of live unfilled Jobcentre Plus vacancies for each of the latest 12 months for which figures are available for England, the West Midlands and Dudley.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of live unfilled Jobcentre Plus vacancies, May 2010 to May 2011 (1) 
			  England West  m idlands Dudley 
			 May 2010 247,438 32,112 1,575 
			 June 2010 263,935 34,879 1,520 
			 July 2010 248,642 34,463 1,430 
			 August 2010 246,434 32,678 1,270 
			 October 2010 286,526 39,908 1,366 
			 November 2010 288,108 39,483 1,248 
			 December 2010 238,265 32,751 1,189 
			 January 2011 202,861 26,897 917 
			 February 2011 230,129 28,414 982 
			 March 2011 214,061 29,334 1,149 
			 April 2011 224,392 33,507 1,248 
			 May 2011 201,205 27,428 1,106 
			 (1 )Data for September 2010 are not currently available. Source: Jobcentre Plus Administrative System.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Carbon Sequestration

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had recent discussions with the devolved Administrations on the development of carbon capture and storage in the UK.

Charles Hendry: Ministers meet their counterparts in the devolved Administrations regularly to discuss a range of energy and climate change issues.
	In addition, my officials hold regular detailed discussions with their counterparts on specific issues relating to the development of CCS.

Departmental Dismissal

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his Department were dismissed for under-performance as a result of the procedures arising from his Department's staff appraisal system in each of the last three years.

Gregory Barker: I am unable to give the requested information, in respect of the number of officials in the Department of Energy and Climate Change who were dismissed for underperformance as the numbers involved are less than 10 people each year and so to give further details could breach confidentiality.

Departmental Regulation

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many regulations his Department has introduced (a) in the six months prior to 1 September 2010 and (b) in the six months after 1 September 2010 which it has determined do not impose costs on businesses.

Gregory Barker: In the six months prior to 1 September 2010, eight regulations introduced by my Department came into force, which do not impose costs on businesses.
	The Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010
	The Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) Order 2010
	The Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Millennium and Kilbraur) (Scotland) Order 2010
	The Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Keadby) (England and Wales) Order 2010
	The Energy Act 2004 (Commencement No. 10) Order 2010
	The Energy Act 2008 (Commencement No. 5) Order 2010
	The Sale of Electricity by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010
	The Sale of Electricity by Local Authorities (England & Wales) Regulations 2010
	In the six months after 1 September 2010, eight regulations introduced by my Department came into force, which do not impose costs on businesses:
	Radioactive Contaminated Land Regulations (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	Radioactive Contaminated Land (Enabling Powers and Modification of Enactments) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	Radioactive Contaminated Land (Enabling Powers and Modification of Enactments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	Radioactive Contaminated Land (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	The Justification Decision (Generation of Electricity by the EPR Nuclear Reactor) Regulations 2010
	The Justification Decision (Generation of Electricity by the AP1000 Nuclear Reactor) Regulations 2010
	The Submarine Pipelines (Designated Owners) Order
	The Lynn and Inner Dowsing Offshore Wind Farms (Amendment) Order 2011
	The Government's policy is to consider alternatives to regulation. Details of regulatory measures introduced in the first half of 2011 can be found in the Statement of New Regulation in the Library of the House.
	Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1033/pdfs/uksiem_20111033_en.pdf
	The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2011
	Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/984/pdfs/uksiem_20110984_en.pdf
	The Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2011
	Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/765/pdfs/uksiem_20110765_en.pdf
	The Gas (Exemptions) Order 2011
	Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/232/pdfs/uksiem_20110232_en.pdf
	The Electricity (Guarantees of Origin of Electricity Produced from Renewable Energy Sources) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2715/pdfs/uksiem_20102715_en.pdf
	The Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Handling (Designated Technical Matters) Order 2010
	Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2850/pdfs/uksiem_20102850_en.pdf
	The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010
	Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2221/pdfs/uksiem_20102221_en.pdf
	No DECC regulations have been removed since 1 September 2010. However, DECC remains committed to simplifying the statute book and reducing the burden of regulation on business where possible. Internal reviews of our regulatory stock and engagement with our stakeholders have identified a number of potential repeals and simplifications to date, with the exact process for repealing these currently being explored. We will continue our efforts to identify opportunities to eliminate any unnecessary burden on businesses this year through full engagement with the Red Tape Challenge.
	No regulations have so far been excluded from the one-in one-out system because they address emergencies and systemic financial risks.

Departmental Regulation

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many regulations that impose costs on businesses his Department (a) introduced and (b) removed in the six months prior to 1 September 2010; and what the net effect on the costs on businesses of such introductions and removals was. [R]

Gregory Barker: In the six months prior to 1 September 2010, six regulations introduced by my Department came into force, which impose costs and benefits on businesses:
	The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010
	Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/768/pdfs/uksiem_20100768_en.pdf
	T he Feed in Tariffs (Specified Maximum Capacity and Functions) Order 2010
	Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/678/pdfs/uksiem_20100678_en.pdf
	The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2010
	Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1107/pdfs/uksiem_20101107_en.pdf
	The Energy Act 2008 (Consequential Modifications) (Offshore Environmental Protection) Order 2010
	Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1513/pdfs/uksiem_20101513_en.pdf
	The Electricity and Gas (Carbon Emissions Reduction) (Amendment) Order 2010
	Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1958/pdfs/uksiem_20101958_en.pdf
	The Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2010
	Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at:
	http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1996/pdfs/uksiem_20101996_en.pdf
	In the six months prior to 1 September 2010, my Department removed the Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading scheme Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/2301). These were replaced by the Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/1996), which contain similar provisions.

Electricity

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the (a) fuel source, (b) retirement date and (c) location is of each electricity generation plant in the UK with a capacity of more than 500 megawatts.

Charles Hendry: A list of power stations over 500 MW owned by major power producers in the UK is provided in the table. The list is sourced from DUKES table 5.11 and the fuel type is as specified by the station owner.
	
		
			 Station name Fuel Installed capacity (MW) Location Retirement date 
			 Staythorpe C CCGT 1,724 East Midlands — 
			 Didcot B CCGT 1,430 South East — 
			 Connahs Quay CCGT 1,380 Wales — 
			 Grain CCGT 1,320 South East — 
			 South Humber Bank CCGT 1,285 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Saltend CCGT 1,200 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Barking CCGT 1,000 London — 
			 Langage CCGT 905 South West — 
			 Killingholme CCGT 900 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Spalding CCGT 880 East Midlands — 
			 Severn CCGT 848 Wales — 
			 Seabank 1 CCGT 812 South West — 
			 Rocksavage CCGT 810 North West — 
			 Sutton Bridge CCGT 800 East — 
			 Coryton CCGT 800 East — 
			 Damhead Creek CCGT 800 South East — 
			 Rye House CCGT 715 East — 
			 Medway CCGT 688 South East — 
			 Killingholme CCGT 665 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Little Barford CCGT 665 East — 
			 Ballylumford C CCGT 616 Northern Ireland — 
			 Deeside CCGT 500 Wales — 
			 Drax Coal 3,870 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Longannet Coal 2,304 Scotland — 
			 West Burton Coal 2,012 East Midlands — 
			 Cottam Coal 2,008 East Midlands — 
			 Ratcliffe Coal 2,000 East Midlands — 
			 Fiddler's Ferry Coal/biomass 1.980 North West — 
			 Ferrybridge C Coal/biomass 1,960 Yorkshire and the Humber 2015 (units 1 and 2 only) 
			 Eggborough Coal 1,960 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Didcot A Coal/gas 1,958 South East 2015 
			 Kingsnorth Coal/oil 1,940 South East 2015 
			 Aberthaw B Coal 1,586 Wales  
			 Cockenzie Coal 1,152 Scotland 2015 
			 Rugeley Coal 1,006 West Midlands — 
			 Tilbury B Coal 1,063 East 2015 
			 Ironbridge Coal 970 West Midlands 2015 
			 Kilroot Coal/oil 662 Northern Ireland — 
			 Immingham CHP Gas CHP 1,240 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Peterhead Gas/Oil 1,180 Scotland — 
			 Marchwood Gas 842 South West — 
			 Keadby Gas/oil 749 Yorkshire and the Humber — 
			 Ballylumford B Gas/Oil/OCGT 540 Northern Ireland — 
			 Baglan Bay Gas turbine 575 Wales — 
			 Heysham 2 Nuclear 1,230 North West 2023 
			 Torness Nuclear 1,205 Scotland 2023 
			 Hartlepool Nuclear 1,190 North East 2019 
		
	
	
		
			 Sizewell B Nuclear 1,168 East 2035 
			 Heysham l Nuclear 1,160 North West 2019 
			 Dungeness B Nuclear 1,040 South East 2018 
			 Wylfa Nuclear 980 Wales 2012 
			 Hunterston B Nuclear 860 Scotland 2016 
			 Hinkley Point B Nuclear 860 South West 2016 
			 Littlebrook D Oil 1,370 South East 2015 
			 Grain Oil 1,300 South East 2015 
			 Fawley Oil 968 South East 2015 
			 Dinorwig Pumped storage 1,728 Wales — 
		
	
	Plants that have opted out of the large combustion plant directive have a retirement date of 31 December 2015 but may close before if they use up their allotted hours prior to this. Stations with non-regulated retirements are assumed to have no specific retirement date.
	The published lifetime for the nuclear power stations has been provided.

Electricity

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the electricity (a) generation capacity and (b) demand in the UK in (i) 2012, (ii) 2013, (iii) 2014, (iv) 2015, (v) 2016, (vi) 2017 and (vii) 2018.

Charles Hendry: According to the central scenario of DECC's latest published Energy and Emissions Projections (June 2010), the electricity generation capacity and demand are as follows:
	
		
			  Electricity generation capacity (central projection) GW Electricity demand (central projection) TWh 
			 2012 95 364 
			 2013 96 366 
			 2014 101 368 
			 2015 105 370 
			 2016 104 371 
			 2017 106 371 
			 2018 110 372 
		
	
	The projections reflect a set of assumptions on fossil fuel and carbon prices and costs; they do not reflect a desired or preferred outcome for Government. The capacity figures include autogenerators and combined heat and power. The demand figures exclude electricity used by power stations.
	The capacity figures shown in the table are sufficient to meet the projected demand. There is also some spare capacity to allow for intermittency of supply. The projections are produced by the DECC Energy Model. This is a model of energy supply and demand, which calculates the necessary generating capacity to meet a given level of electricity demand.

Electricity: Meters

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's Smart Metering Programme.

Charles Hendry: The Department published an updated impact assessments for the Smart Meter Programme in March 2011. These estimate that over the next 20 years, the rollout of smart meters will deliver £7.3 billion net benefits to consumers, energy suppliers and networks. The benefits include enabling consumer behaviour change, revolutionising industry processes, improving customer service and facilitating smart grids. By 2020, we expect the average domestic consumer, with both electricity and gas, to save an average £23 per year on their energy bill.
	The updated impact assessments were published alongside the Government's consultation on our Smart Meter Prospectus in which we set out the strategy, plans and timetable for rollout. Under these plans we expect to see completion of the rollout by 2019, at least one year ahead of previously published plans.

Energy

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effects on (a) water quality, (b) water resources, (c) flood risk, (d) coastal change and (e) public health of clustering of new energy infrastructure;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the potential effects of development of new energy infrastructure on (a) biodiversity, (b) landscape, (c) visual amenity and (d) cultural heritage.

Charles Hendry: As part of the preparation of the energy National Policy Statements (NPS), an Appraisal of Sustainability (AoS), incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as required by Directive 2001/42/EC, was done to assess the potential strategically significant effects of new infrastructure on all the indicators highlighted in the questions, including cumulative effects such as those arising from clustering. As the Nuclear NPS (unlike the other energy NPSs) is site specific, it was possible to also carry out more detailed assessments for the proposed nuclear sites. All these appraisals have been the subject of extensive consultation and are published at:
	www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk
	In addition SEAs are carried out as part of the development of energy policy, e.g. for offshore energy licensing including wind and oil and gas. These can be found at:
	www.offshore-sea.org.uk

Energy: Australia

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with his Australian counterpart on Government schemes for domestic insulation and energy efficiency in that country; and if he will publish any related documents.

Gregory Barker: I have looked at the evidence of the Australian experience, where inadequate standards underpinned the Government's retrofit scheme. It confirms the importance of standards.
	The Green Deal to be launched next year will have strong framework for accreditation, which will set the necessary technical standards for installation and competence levels for installers, as well as customer care and warranty requirements.

Energy: Finance

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will make available further funding to assist the Community Energy Saving Programme scheme to develop and meet its targets to replace matched funding from local authorities.

Gregory Barker: The Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) is an obligation on the energy companies to meet a carbon reduction target and involves no central government funding. In delivering schemes CESP providers may seek a financial contribution from local partners, including local authorities, but this a matter for commercial negotiation between the relevant parties.

Energy: Fuels

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the primary energy consumption by fuel is in million tonnes oil equivalent in respect of (a) oil, (b) natural gas, (c) coal, (d) nuclear energy and (e) hydro and renewables for (i) Scotland, (ii) England, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland.

Charles Hendry: Primary energy consumption data are only available for the UK. The following table shows provisional 2010 data.
	
		
			 Inland energy consumption: primary fuel input basis 
			 Million tonnes of oil equivalent 
			      Primary electricity 
			  Total Coal (1) Petroleum (2) Natural gas (3) Nuclear Wind and natural flow hydro (4) Net imports 
			 2010 217.6 36.8 70.5 95.1 13.7 1.19 0.23 
			 (1) Includes solid renewable sources (wood, straw and waste), a small amount of renewable primary heat sources (solar, geothermal, etc.), liquid biofuels and net foreign trade and stock changes in other solid fuels. (2) Inland deliveries for energy use, plus refinery fuel and losses, minus the differences between deliveries and actual consumption at power stations. (3) Includes gas used during production, colliery methane, landfill gas and sewage gas. Excludes gas flared or re-injected and non-energy use of gas. (4) Includes generation by solar PV. Excludes generation from pumped storage stations. Source: Energy Trends table 1.2: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/source/total/total.aspx 
		
	
	Finalised figures for 2010 will be published on 28 July 2011.
	Data on final consumption at local authority level within England, Wales and Scotland have been published from 2003 onwards, with the latest complete data relating to 2008. Data on final consumption of gas, electricity and road transport fuels are currently available for 2009, with the remaining fuels due to be published later this year.
	As different data sources are used for the sub-national analysis, with some data being modelled and other data being collected over slightly different time periods, the totals do not completely agree with data published in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics.
	Data on electricity consumption for council areas within Northern Ireland were published for the first time last year, and relate to 2008 for domestic consumption and 2009 for non-domestic consumption. Data on gas consumption within Northern Ireland are not available. As a result of the incomplete coverage, Northern Ireland data have been excluded from the following table.
	The 2008 data show the following breakdowns by country and fuel type.
	
		
			 Final energy consumption, in thousand tonnes of oil equivalent, by fuel and country, 2008 
			 Fuel Scotland England Wales Great Britain total 
			 Coal 217.4 1,357.0 160.2 1,734.6 
			 Manufactured fuels 104.6 1,644.3 346.2 2,095.1 
			 Petroleum Products (excluding aviation use) 5,613.2 44,369.5 3,804.4 53,787.1 
			 Natural gas 4,937.6 42,933.0 2,552.4 50,423.1 
			 Electricity 2,434.2 22,017.5 1,398.7 25,850.5 
			 Renewables and wastes 135.0 605.6 116.1 856.7 
			 Total 13,442.1 112,927.0 8,377.9 134,747.1 
			 Source: Total final energy consumption at sub-national level, DECC, available at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/regional/total_final/total_ final.aspx

Environment Protection

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he intends to publish the Green Economy Roadmap.

Gregory Barker: The Government intend to publish the Green Economy Roadmap later this month.

Aircraft Emissions: Gatwick

Sam Gyimah: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the average amount of carbon dioxide emitted by aircraft using Gatwick airport (a) in tonnes per year and (b) in kilograms per passenger.

Theresa Villiers: I have been asked to reply.
	Between 2000 and 2009 the average annual CO2 emissions from aircraft departing Gatwick airport were 4,927 thousand tonnes. CO2 emissions per passenger departing Gatwick during this period were 306 kg.
	CO2 emissions figures do not include the cruise emissions from arriving flights. Emissions figures by airports are calculated on this basis to avoid double counting between different UK airports and different nation states.

Feed-in Tariffs

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the cumulative cost of feed-in tariffs to energy consumers up to 2020 under (a) unchanged tariff levels and (b) the proposed fast track tariffs for large solar photovoltaic and farm-scale anaerobic digestion.

Gregory Barker: If the generation tariffs for large scale solar photovoltaics remained unchanged, the cumulative cost to consumers of the FITs scheme would be up to £6.8 billion (discounted, 2011 prices) between 2011 and 2020, more than double the original projected costs for the scheme.
	If the changes are made as proposed in response to the fast-track review, and as currently before both Houses for consideration, we estimate that the cumulative cost to consumers will be around £3.3 billion (discounted, 2011 prices) to 2020.

Fuel Poverty: Islwyn

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of households in Islwyn constituency which were living in fuel poverty in 2009-10.

Gregory Barker: Data on households in fuel poverty in Wales are derived from the Living in Wales property survey, 2008 and are supplied by the Welsh Government. The survey was designed to allow analysis at an all Wales level only, so the Welsh Government are unable to supply data at a parliamentary constituency level.
	In 2008, the latest year for which this data is currently available, 332,000 households in Wales were estimated to be fuel poor. This is equivalent to 26% of all households.

Green Deal Scheme: Financial Institutions

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what meetings (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials have had with representatives of banking and other financial institutions to discuss the Green Deal;
	(2)  what meetings he has had with representatives of (a) Lloyds TSB, (b) HSBC, (c) Royal Bank of Scotland, (d) the Co-operative Bank and (e) Northern Rock to discuss the Green Deal.

Gregory Barker: Ministers and officials have had and continue to have, significant engagement with the finance community about the Green Deal. This has included meetings with individual institutions, and the use of a finance stakeholder forum. DECC officials have also participated in finance forums and workshops hosted by members of the finance community and others, such as the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy.

Heat

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the level of use of the National Heat Map for England by local authorities.

Gregory Barker: The National Heat Map is being developed and is expected to be completed later this year. The map will be available online and is being designed to help local authorities, communities and developers identify what heat demand exists and inform decisions on where best to locate heat networks or heat technologies.

Natural Gas: Exploration

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will discuss the potential for exploiting shale gas with power-generating companies; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: Although it is a commercial decision for each company to decide whether or not to invest in any particular technology, it is clear from meetings which I have had with a range of energy companies, that the power generation industry is interested in the potential of shale gas. I have no specific plans to discuss this issue with power generation companies, but Government will continue to encourage the energy industry to maximise indigenous oil and gas production and infrastructure opportunities.

Nuclear Power

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many (a) e-mails and (b) other communications were sent from officials or special advisers working in his Department to representatives of nuclear power companies or the nuclear power industry between 10 and 15 March 2011; how many officials or special advisers working in his Department were directly or indirectly involved in providing research or briefing support on nuclear power generation to Ministers or other Government representatives between 10 and 15 March 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: Government officials engage on a regular basis with a number of internal and external stakeholders, including representatives from the nuclear industry and non-government organisations.
	Between 10 and 15 March DECC officials prepared regular briefings for Government Ministers in relation to the evolving nuclear Fukushima crisis and in support of the Cabinet Office Civil Contingency Committee meetings which was co-ordinated by a DECC Japan Crisis Team consisting of five officials. Officials also continued to provide regular briefing support on other nuclear issues during this time.
	More specific information is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Nuclear Power

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department had meetings with representatives of nuclear power companies or the nuclear power industry between 10 and 15 March 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: During the period 10 to 15 March 2011, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my noble Friend Lord Marland and officials had a regular meeting with Sellafield Ltd and officials had a meeting with Babcock International Group plc.

Nuclear Power

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether officials or special advisers in his Department provided briefings on nuclear power generation to the Government chief scientific adviser between 10 and 15 March 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: During the period 10 to 15 March 2011 no briefings were provided by Energy and Climate Change officials or special advisers on nuclear power generation to the Government chief scientific adviser.

Nuclear Power Stations: Air Traffic Control

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent evaluation he has made of the adequacy of the scope of the air exclusion zone (AEZs) around UK nuclear installations; what information his Department holds on the scope of AEZs around nuclear installations in other EU-member states; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: Ensuring the security of nuclear sites and nuclear material is a matter for individual EU member states. Security arrangements for the protection of UK nuclear sites are kept under constant review as part of a continuous process to ensure existing arrangements are robust, effective, comply with international standards and best practice.
	The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2007 which restrict flying in the vicinity of certain nuclear installations in the UK, as specified in Schedule 2 to the Regulations, were introduced following the September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. These regulations were last amended in 2009. However, as a number of UK civil nuclear installations are in the process of decommissioning, consideration will need to be given to reviewing this. The Department will need to work with Department for Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Defence on the timing of future amendments to the regulations.
	The Department has no information on air exclusion zones around nuclear installations in other EU member states.

Nuclear Power Stations: Radioactivity

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what modelling has been undertaken (a) by his Department and (b) consultants for his Department on the dispersal plume of radioactive material from a nuclear plant impacted by an aircraft collision; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: DECC uses analyses from a number of organisations responsible for radiation monitoring which have carried out modelling of radiation dispersal from nuclear plants in order to predict the consequences of a range of potential, but highly unlikely, scenarios. For instance, a radiation dispersal modelling service is carried out by the Met Office using the Radiation Incident Monitoring Network (RIMNET). Further information on dispersal modelling is available on the Met Office's website:
	http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/modelling-systems/dispersion-model

Nuclear Power Stations: Radioactivity

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change for what reasons the request was made to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to look at opportunities to accelerate the process of developing a geological disposal facility for nuclear waste; and by what date he has asked the NDA to respond.

Charles Hendry: Implementing geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste is crucial, both for legacy waste and for new nuclear build. I want to ensure that we move forward as quickly as possible, consistent with the need to retain public confidence and gain the necessary regulatory approvals.
	I have therefore tasked the NDA with an ongoing challenge to accelerate first waste emplacement in a geological disposal facility, and they will report progress to future Geological Disposal Implementation Board meetings. The minutes of these meetings are available on the DECC website.

Oil

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has any plans to create a central stockholding agency for oil reserves; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: The UK holds oil stocks for use in oil supply disruptions to comply with international obligations to the EU and the International Energy Agency with the same stocks able to be used to meet both obligations. We meet these obligations by placing compulsory stocking obligations (CSO) on industry under powers in the Energy Act 1976.
	This system has underpinned compliance with our international obligations, and enabled the UK to make oil stocks available to the market during the first Gulf War in 1990 and following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
	Nevertheless, we keep its effectiveness and efficiency under review, and are working with industry to consider future options including the viability of a central stockholding agency.

Oil: Arctic

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had any discussions with his EU counterparts on regulations governing the drilling of oil in the Arctic.

Charles Hendry: There have been no such discussions at EU level.

Oil: Arctic

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had any discussions with his counterparts from (a) Norway, (b) Russia, (c) Canada, (d) the USA and (e) other nations on regulations governing the drilling of oil in the Arctic.

Charles Hendry: No.

Oil: Prices

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent representations he has received on the effects on consumers of high oil prices.

Charles Hendry: I have received a number of representations on the effect on consumers of high oil prices.
	The Government are aware of the significant impacts high oil prices are having on consumers, which is why the Chancellor announced a £1.9 billion package in the Budget to ease the burden on motorists.
	The Government are also working domestically and with international partners to enhance oil price stability, restrain oil demand, and reduce barriers to timely and adequate investment in the oil sector. For example, through the IEF and G20 we are working to improve transparency in the oil markets, and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
	The Government also have a wide range of measures to make the UK less dependent on oil. Policies such as the Renewable Energy Strategy and Low Carbon Transport Strategy will not only reduce the UK's carbon emissions, but also help ease our demand for oil.

Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 20 June 2011, Official Report, column 128W, on renewable energy: feed-in tariffs, whether he consulted Ministers in the (a) Scottish and (b) Welsh Government prior to announcing the fast-track solar photovoltaic review; and whether Ministers in the devolved Administrations have made any representations in respect of the potential effects of his proposals.

Gregory Barker: As I set out in my answer of 20 June 2011, Official Report, column 128W, Ministers in the Scottish and Welsh Assembly Governments, and their officials, were involved in discussions on the fast track review of feed-in tariffs (FITs). At the time they emphasised their commitment to working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FITs through the scheme review. They also highlighted a particular interest in the role of FITs in supporting community renewables.

Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his decision to undertake a fast-track review of the feed-in tariff scheme was taken under the Control Framework for DECC levy-funded spending before the announcement of the framework.

Gregory Barker: The 2010 spending review made clear for the first time that there are spending parameters within which the FITs scheme must operate, and stipulated the need to make 10% (£40 million) savings to the scheme in 2014-15 compared with original projections. More recently, in the interest of transparency, further details on how the costs of the FITs scheme are managed via the control framework for DECC levy-funded spending have been published on the HMT website:
	http://hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/control_framework_decc250311.pdf

Renewable Energy: Fisheries

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to support the development of marine renewables.

Gregory Barker: The coalition Government are committed to the development of marine renewables sector in the UK. This is reflected in the recent announcement that the Department is investing up to £20 million in wave and tidal power to help develop marine energy technologies from the prototype stage to demonstration of arrays of devices.

Renewable Energy: Heating

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with representatives of industry on the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive Premium Payment.

Gregory Barker: I have regularly met representatives from businesses who have an interest in the introduction of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment.

Renewable Energy: Heating

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with industry representatives on the technologies eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive Premium Payment.

Gregory Barker: I have recently met representatives from a number of businesses with whom I have discussed a range of issues, including the introduction of the Renewables Heat Premium Payment.

Solar Power

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many solar photovoltaic installations with a generating capacity between four kilowatts and 50 kilowatts were in receipt of feed-in tariffs in the latest period for which figures are available.

Gregory Barker: At the end of March 2011 there were 1,173 solar photovoltaic installations between 4 kW and 50 kW inclusive confirmed on the feed-in tariff scheme since the start of the scheme. This includes installations migrated from the renewable obligation.
	Data for the end of June 2011 will be available at the end of July.

Statoil

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what (a) meetings, (b) correspondence and (c) other contact (i) he, (ii) Ministers in his Department and (iii) his officials have had with Statoil in the last six months.

Charles Hendry: Ministers in this Department have had no formal meetings with Statoil, or received any correspondence from them, although informal discussions take place in the margins of other events. In relation to such meetings or correspondence with officials, this information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	DECC co-sponsored a supply chain event with Statoil in Aberdeen on 6 April to highlight the substantial opportunities the Bressay and Mariner projects would offer. The evening event focused on drilling, downhole and well services and attracted around 100 people primarily from the Aberdeen supply community. A number of DECC officials were present at this event.

Tidal Power: Finance

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the adequacy for commercial development of the sum announced to assist the development of wave and tidal technologies; and what discussions he had with (a) industry representatives and (b) trade associations on the matter.

Gregory Barker: Decisions on the allocation of the £20 million recently announced to support demonstration of marine energy technologies were taken in the context of the Department's entire energy innovation budget. We anticipate that the funding allocated to marine energy should, subject to value for money review, be able to support the pre-commercial array demonstration of two technologies. This funding will sit alongside additional innovation support from other funding bodies and the prospect of further demonstration of arrays of marine energy devices being supported through the EU New Entrants' Reserve 300 programme.
	The Department has undertaken detailed discussions of the funding needs of the marine energy sector through the UK Marine Energy Programme which includes active participation from other public sector bodies, technology developers, large industrial organisations, utilities and trade associations.

Tidal Power: Finance

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has allocated any of the £20 million announced for assistance for development of wave and tidal technologies.

Gregory Barker: The £20 million announced recently has been earmarked, subject to value for money consideration, for the support of pre-commercial array demonstration of marine energy technologies. Details on the process by which this funding will be allocated to recipients will be published by the Department in early 2012.

Urenco

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what meetings he has had with representatives or agents of Urenco plc since the sale of the UK's stake was announced.

Charles Hendry: The Government are considering their options with regard to the UK shareholding in Urenco. No final decisions have yet been taken and no announcement has been made.
	Details of meetings between DECC Ministers and external organisations are published quarterly on the DECC website:
	http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/registers/registers.aspx

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan: Health Services

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department plans to take to support the Government of Afghanistan to (a) fill their national health worker gap and (b) ensure that health workers are supported to work in the parts of that country in greatest need.

Andrew Mitchell: Since 2002 the UK has provided aid to support the health sector in Afghanistan through the multi-donor Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). In 2009-10 this funded the salaries of 320,000 public servants including health workers. In the absence of an IMF programme DFID is delaying further payments to the ARTF. We intend to resume payments as soon as a new IMF programme is agreed.

Afghanistan: Health Services

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department plans to take to support the Government of Afghanistan in delivering (a) health care and (b) other basic services.

Andrew Mitchell: Since 2002 the UK has provided aid to support health, education and other basic services in Afghanistan primarily through the multi-donor Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). In 2009-10 this funded the salaries of 320,000 public servants including health workers. In the absence of an IMF programme, the Department for International Development (DFID) has delayed further payments to the ARTF. We intend to resume payments as soon as a new programme is agreed.

Afghanistan: Health Services

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to reduce (a) maternal, (b) newborn and (c) child mortality rates in Afghanistan.

Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development is currently considering how best to promote improvements in maternal health in Afghanistan. Since 2002 the UK has provided aid to support the health sector through the multi-donor Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). In 2009-10 this funded the salaries of 320,000 public servants including health workers. In the absence of an IMF programme, DFID has delayed further payments to the ARTF. We intend to resume payments as soon as a new programme is agreed.

Agriculture: Climate Change

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his policy is on measures to incentivise the uptake of climate-smart agriculture.

Andrew Mitchell: Agriculture is the life-line of the majority of the world's poor and food insecure population. Supporting climate-smart agriculture is an essential part of protecting the poorest and most vulnerable and of strengthening their resilience. The Department for International Development supports programmes to help developing countries integrate climate change into their national strategies—including in the agricultural sector. In the coming months the Department will also design country-specific and regional resilience programmes, based on recommendations by the Humanitarian Emergency Response Review (HERR). These will also focus on climate-smart agriculture in highly vulnerable areas.

Anguilla: Environment Protection

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he plans to publish the recent Anguillan environmental impact assessments.

Henry Bellingham: I have been asked to reply.
	Responsibility for environmental issues is devolved to the Governments of the overseas territories. It is therefore for the Government of Anguilla to decide whether to publish environmental impact assessments.

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

Alan Duncan: The information cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

East Africa: Droughts

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his assessment is of the drought conditions in East Africa; and what steps he is taking to help alleviate the situation.

Andrew Mitchell: The eastern horn of Africa has experienced two consecutive seasons of significantly below-average rainfall, resulting in one of the driest years since 1995. Crops have failed, large numbers of livestock have died, and local cereal prices are very high. Up to 10 million people in the sub-region need humanitarian assistance and emergency levels of acute malnutrition are widespread.
	On 1 July the UK Government committed to provide 1.36 million people with emergency food assistance and 329,000 malnourished children and pregnant and lactating mothers supplementary food treatment. We continue to closely monitor the situation and we are calling on other countries in the international community to contribute to the humanitarian response.

Gambia: Malaria

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he expects any multilateral aid programmes supported by the Government to be used to target malaria in the Gambia.

Stephen O'Brien: DFID provides funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria. This plays a critical role in supporting malaria control efforts globally. Through this channel, the UK Government are able to contribute to malaria control in countries where we have no bilateral programme. This includes the Gambia.

Gambia: Overseas Aid

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon) of 23 June 2011, Official Report, column 415W, on Gambia: overseas aid, how much financial support the UK will provide to Gambia through increasing its share of multilateral programming.

Stephen O'Brien: As referred to in my answer of 23 June 2011, we do not have planned allocations for UK support to The Gambia through multilateral organisations in future years. Almost 40% of the UK’s aid programme is channelled through multilateral organisations. As part of the Multilateral Aid Review (MAR), the Government are determined to ensure that UK aid is directed to where it can make the greatest difference.

Horn of Africa: Droughts

Harriet Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with (a) other governments, (b) representatives of the European Commission and (c) representatives of multilateral donors on the humanitarian situation in the horn of Africa.

Andrew Mitchell: The Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr O'Brien) pressed Prime Minister Meles on the emergency humanitarian crisis during his recent visit to Ethiopia. He has also been urging the Kenyan Government to do more, and met with Prime Minister Odinga on Thursday 7 July. We have also called for the governments of countries in the affected region to release accurate and credible figures on the number of people affected.
	I met Baroness Amos, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, on Tuesday 5 July to discuss how to galvanise a more effective international response.
	We will raise this issue during the EU informal Development Ministers meeting in Poland next week. The Government are also urgently lobbying other donors to step up with more support, to stop this crisis becoming a catastrophe, and I will be speaking to other leaders in the next few days.

International Assistance: Earthquakes

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will hold discussions with his counterparts in countries with a high likelihood of earthquakes on possible improvements to international assistance following earthquakes.

Alan Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) is undertaking a considerable amount of such work; and we will certainly take up opportunities for such discussions.
	For example, DFID is working with the Government of Nepal to draw up a framework for emergency planning and operational response in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. Through our bilateral programmes in countries at risk we are also working with other Governments on national resilience strategies.
	DFID is increasing its funding to the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) in order to increase support to national Governments, disaster management agencies and development strategies.

Liberia: Health Services

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  how many (a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) midwives and (d) other health workers in Liberia his Department plans to support to reach the objectives for (i) maternal and (ii) infant mortality rates set out in its operational plan for that country;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of health workers required in Liberia to meet the objective in his Department's operational plan for that country of reducing (a) maternal and (b) infant mortality rates by 2013;
	(3)  what steps his Department is taking to ensure that health workers are deployed to the parts of Liberia in greatest need.

Stephen O'Brien: The UK, together with Irish Aid, UNICEF and UNHCR, has been supporting the delivery of Liberia's national health plan through a health pool fund under the leadership of the Minister of Health. This has enabled the Ministry to better manage the resources available to it including being able to provide additional services by contracting International NGOs. Their focus is to provide essential health care in the more remote and rural areas of the country where the need is greatest. UK support has included training and recruiting health workers to enable a basic package of essential health services to be delivered across the country.
	The current national health plan comes to an end this year and so the Ministry of Health with its partners is currently carrying out an in-depth analysis of the progress made so far including the staffing they currently have, what staffing they should have as a minimum in light of the size of population, and where the need is greatest. This will result in a clear strategy by the end of this year which maps out the numbers and mix of skills they need in the medium to long term, how they intend putting these in place and what resources are available to enable them to implement the strategy. The UK has committed to train at least 2,500 health workers to 2014 and will work closely with the Ministry of Health and non-governmental partners to ensure UK resources are targeted at the priority skills needed.

Liberia: Health Services

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the health interventions in Liberia are to which his Department has committed £12 million to 2013-14.

Stephen O'Brien: The UK has been supporting the delivery of Liberia's national health plan since 2008 which has concentrated on rebuilding the health sector in order to reduce the very high levels of maternal and child mortality, among the worst in the world. The focus has been to ensure a basic package of essential health services is delivered across the country targeting pregnant women and young children.
	The current national health plan comes to an end this year and so the Ministry with its partners is currently carrying out an in-depth analysis of the progress made. This is to inform the development of a new 10-year national health plan which builds on the achievements so far with a view to expanding the provision of services and improving the quality of care. The UK is working closely with the Ministry of Health and partners in the development of the new health plan to ensure UK resources contribute to reducing child and infant mortality by 10% and maternal mortality by 15%.

Sudan: Internally Displaced People

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to support people who have been displaced due to conflict in Sudan.

Andrew Mitchell: We are deeply concerned about the situation of civilians displaced by the recent fighting in Abyei and Southern Kordofan. Emergency humanitarian co-ordination meetings have taken place on a regular basis in Khartoum and Juba. At present, lack of access to the conflict affected areas and populations hinders accurate humanitarian needs assessment by humanitarian personnel. Though the uncertainty about SAF intentions has forced a further withdrawal, NGOs and UN are ready to respond once security and access allows. We are working with the United Nations to ensure that if security and access is granted, assistance will reach these displaced civilians. The UN has reserves of both shelter and food for such situations. As well as its ongoing support to the Common Humanitarian Fund, the UK has made an additional £10 million available for contingency planning to respond to any emergencies that are linked to southern secession.

Sudan: Internally Displaced People

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department is providing for the reintegration of returnees in Southern Sudan.

Andrew Mitchell: Around 300,000 people have left North Sudan for the South in the last seven months. Around three-quarters have settled in rural rather than urban areas. There have been regular meetings in Khartoum and Juba with the Government of South Sudan Ministers (GoSS) to discuss the immediate relocation and first arrival needs of the returnees. The Department for International Development's (DFID) South Sudan office has now received some details of the newly developed state reintegration plans. These provide a platform for the discussion of longer-term support for sustainable livelihoods for the returnees and the recipient communities. We are following up with GoSS and development partners how UK assistance can help to take things forward.

West Africa: Malaria

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department is providing for the treatment and prevention of malaria in West African countries.

Stephen O'Brien: The UK Government have pledged to contribute to at least halving malaria deaths in at least 10 high burden countries by 2014-15.
	Many of the malaria high burden countries are in West Africa: Nigeria alone represents a quarter of the malaria burden in Africa. In Nigeria DFID is supporting a universal net campaign. Our investments have already helped increase household insecticide treated net ownership from 10% to 70% in targeted states of Nigeria. DFID is currently supporting the procurement and distribution of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) to two regions in Ghana as part of the national campaign to achieve universal coverage. One million nets from DFID helped Sierra Leone achieve its target of universal LLIN coverage.
	DFID also provides funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria and works with the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust to fund high quality malaria research globally, including work conducted in West Africa.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Apprentices

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate how many apprenticeship places would be created in the (a) social care, (b) energy and utilities, (c) human resources, (d) travel, (e) marketing and media, (f) professional services and (g) engineering goods sector if one apprenticeship was created for every £1 million worth of (i) central Government, (ii) local government and (iii) other public sector contract.

David Willetts: The number of apprenticeships supported through public sector contracts will vary widely depending on the size and nature of contract. It is not possible to provide a robust estimate of potential apprenticeships places as there is no centrally-held data set on projected public sector spends on procurement, which would be necessary to provide estimates in the format requested. In addition, it would not be possible to estimate the proportion of apprenticeship places that would be genuinely additional, over and above apprentices already employed by public sector suppliers.
	Decisions on whether to build skills training or apprenticeships considerations into procurements, and the scale of requirements, must be taken on a case-by-case basis by public sector bodies, taking into account value for money and the appropriateness and relevance of requirements.

Apprentices

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate how many apprenticeship places would be created in the (a) construction and (b) information and communication technology sector if one apprenticeship was created for £1 million worth of (i) central Government, (ii) local government and (iii) other public sector contract.

John Hayes: holding answer 6 July 2011
	The number of apprenticeships supported through public sector contracts will vary widely depending on the size and nature of contract. It is not possible to provide a robust estimate of potential apprenticeships places as there is no centrally-held data set on projected public sector spend on procurement, which would be necessary to provide estimates in the format requested. In addition, it would not be possible to estimate the proportion of apprenticeship places that would be genuinely additional, over and above apprentices already employed by public sector suppliers.
	Decisions on whether to build skills training or apprenticeships considerations into procurements, and the scale of requirements, must be taken on a case-by-case basis by public sector bodies, taking into account value for money and the appropriateness and relevance of requirements.

Apprentices

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate how many apprenticeship places would be created if the Office of Government Commerce's guidance entitled Promoting skills through public procurement, published in April 2009, was made a mandatory part of the (a) central and (b) local government procurement process.

John Hayes: holding answer 6 July 2011
	Decisions on whether to include skills and apprenticeships requirements in central and local government procurements must be taken on a case-by-case basis by public sector bodies, as outlined in the Office of Government Commerce (now part of the Cabinet Office) guidance. It is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of the number of apprenticeship places created by making Office of Government Commerce (now part of the Cabinet Office) guidance mandatory.
	Guidance issued under the previous Government is currently being reviewed as part of a wider review of procurement advice and guidance by the Cabinet Office.

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance his Department issues to learning providers on the period of time within which an apprenticeship of 300 guided learning hours should be completed.

John Hayes: holding answer 7 July 2011
	The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE), published on 20 January 2011, states that an apprentice on an intermediate level apprenticeship must receive a minimum of 280 guided learning hours (GLH) of which at least 100 GLH or 30% (whichever is the greater) must be delivered off-the-job and clearly evidenced.
	The apprentice must receive the minimum 280 hours within 12 months of starting a framework, and a further 280 GLH in each subsequent 12-month period.

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of adult apprenticeship starts in 2010-11 that were learners who had previously enrolled on the train to gain scheme.

John Hayes: We do not have information available on the number of adult apprentices starting in the 2010/11 academic year that were previously enrolled on the Train to Gain scheme in 2009/10 academic year.
	Since May 2010, the Skills Funding Agency encouraged colleges and providers to switch(1) activity from Train to Gain to support more employers to invest in apprenticeships and support the Government's commitment to an additional 50,000 adult apprenticeships.
	Provisional data shows that this Government has delivered 326,700 apprenticeship starts in the first nine months of the 2010/11 academic year—this is 114,000 more than the previous year and more than double our ambition.
	(1) In June 2011 (Statistical First Release) there were 327,000 Apprenticeship starts and 354,000 Train to Gain starts (between August and April) compared to 212,000 Apprenticeships starts and 427,000 Train to Gain starts for the same period in 2010.

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of people aged between 19 and 24 who were not able to find an apprenticeship placement in 2010-11.

John Hayes: holding answer 7 July 2011
	We do not hold information on the numbers of 19 to 24-year-olds who have not been able to find apprenticeship placements in 2010-11. In 2009/10, more 19 to 24-year-olds (113,800) started an apprenticeship(1 )when compared to previous years.
	Apprenticeship opportunities are determined by employer demand for apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Service, working with the Skills Funding Agency and local authorities, regularly review the take up of apprenticeships by both employers and individuals (across all age groups) to ensure that employer demand is being met.
	(1 )Statistical First Release website:
	http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of adult apprenticeship starts in 2010-11 undertaken by people who are already in employment.

John Hayes: For the first three quarters of 2010-11 (academic year), 215,300 adult apprenticeships were recorded on the individualised learner record (ILR)(1) as having an ‘employed’ status on the day before they started their learning aim(2).
	(1) The ILR does not provide detailed information to identify the length of time an adult apprentice was in ‘employed’ status and whether they have moved to a new employer to start their apprenticeship programme. It is also customary for employers to delay starting employees onto an apprenticeship programme for a variety of reasons including probationary periods.
	(2) Work is in progress to review ‘employment’ status data capturing for the 2012/13 academic year.

Apprentices: Bexleyheath and Crayford

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships have been started in (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (b) London (i) since May 2010 and (ii) in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

John Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of apprenticeship starts for Bexleyheath and Crayford parliamentary constituency and London Government office region in academic years 2007/08 to 2009/10, the latest year for which full year data are available.
	Table 2 shows the number of apprenticeship starts for Bexleyheath and Crayford parliamentary constituency and London Government office region between May 2010 and July 2010 of the 2009/10 academic year based on final year data and between August 2010 and April 2011 of the 2010/11 academic year based on provisional data. April 2011 is the latest date for which we have data.
	
		
			 Table 1: Apprenticeship starts in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and London Government office region, 2007/08 to 2009/10 
			  2007/08 (f inal) 2008/09 (f inal) 2009/10 (f inal) 
			 Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency 340 310 380 
			 London 14,520 17,180 20,350 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 2: Apprenticeship starts in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and London Government office region, 1 May 2010 and 30 April 2011 
			  2009/10 2010/11 Total 
			  May 2010 to July 2010 (final) August 2010 to April 2011 (provisional) May 2010 to April 2011 (provisional) 
			 Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency 90 460 550 
		
	
	
		
			 London 4,290 28,120 32,410 
			 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Geography information is based upon the home postcode of the learner. 3. Provisional data on apprenticeship starts in 2010/11 will be updated in the October 2011 SFR, when more complete data for the academic year are available. Source: Individualised Learner Record. 
		
	
	Information on the number of apprenticeship starts is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest SFR was published on 23rd June 2011:
	http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current

Apprentices: Finance

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the total spend was on apprenticeship training agencies in each year since 2005.

John Hayes: holding answer 7 July 2011
	Between 2008-09(1) and 2010-11 financial years(2), the total amount of spend on Government funded Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) pilots(3) has been £7,931,700—yearly spend is as follows:
	
		
			 Apprenticeship Training Agency spend (4) 
			 Financial year £ 
			 2008-09 400,000 
			 2009-10 3,563,000 
			 2010-11 3,968,700 
			 (1 )Government funded Apprenticeship Training Agency pilots first began in the financial year 2008-09 through a local initiative developed by the City of Westminster College which was funded by the Learning and Skills Council. (2) Government funding for Apprenticeship Training Agency pilots ceased on 31 March 2011. (3) A small number of pilots deliver through a hybrid Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) and Group Training Associations (GTA) model which initially supports employers through the GTA process ie: co-ordinating the selection, recruitment and training elements on behalf of employers to recruit a suitable apprentice. The ATA is available to support initial training if employing an apprentice through host employers is not possible or to support the apprentice if employment through GTA ceases for whatever reason. (4) Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. The spend relates to development funding (or start up) but not training costs for apprenticeships. ATA do not deliver training—this is done through a training provider.

Apprentices: Finance

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Government's announcement of 24 May 2010 of £150 million of funding for adult apprenticeship places, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the 173,800 additional adult apprenticeship places that have been taken up in 2010-11 to date.

John Hayes: holding answer 7 July 2011
	We do not recognise the figure of 173,800 additional adult apprenticeship places that have been taken up in 2010/11 to date.
	In May 2010 the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced an ambition to fund 50,000 new adult (19 years or older) apprenticeship starts in the 2010-11 financial year. The latest provisional data show that against a baseline of 153,200 starts, we have delivered 257,000 starts. This means that this Government have delivered 103,800 additional apprenticeship starts from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.
	The National Apprenticeship Service estimate the cost to the public purse of the 103,800 additional adult apprenticeship places that have been taken up in 2010-11 financial year April 2010 to March 2011 is £220 million.

Apprentices: Per Capita Costs

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the average unit cost was by apprenticeship framework of an apprenticeship place for a person aged 25 years and above in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 in (i) England and (ii) each region; and what estimate he has made of the cost in 2011-12.

John Hayes: holding answer 5 July 2011
	The cost of delivering an Apprenticeship varies significantly depending on the industry in which the apprenticeship framework is being delivered; length of stay on the programme; whether the framework is at Level 2 or 3; and the age of the participant. Therefore average unit costs are unlikely to provide a meaningful comparator.
	Funding rates are calculated on a national basis only. The overall average unit cost(1) of a full apprenticeship framework for a person aged 25 years and above in England are set out in the following table. Further information about average unit costs for 2011/12 will be published in the next Skills Funding Agency guidance note.
	
		
			 Framework values 
			  25+ (£) 
			 2008/09 3,883 
			 2009/10 3,548 
			 2010/11 3,059 
		
	
	(1) Average unit costs are based on the national rates for each academic year for Apprenticeships undertaken by learners aged 25 and over assuming all aspects of the Apprenticeship are required (namely key skills, NVQs and technical skills where appropriate) and that there is no prior learning. Apprenticeships for learners aged 25 and over are co-funded, with the employer expected to contribute towards the training costs.

Apprentices: Per Capita Costs

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the average unit cost was by apprenticeship framework of an apprenticeship place for a person aged between 19 to 24 years in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 in (i) England and (ii) each region; and what estimate he has made of the cost in 2011-12.

John Hayes: holding answer 5 July 2011
	The cost of delivering an apprenticeship varies significantly depending on the industry in which the Apprenticeship framework is being delivered; length of stay on the programme; whether the framework is at level 2 or 3; and the age of the participant. Therefore average unit costs are unlikely to provide a meaningful comparator.
	Funding rates are calculated on a national basis only. The overall average unit cost(1) of a full apprenticeship framework for a person aged 19 to 24 years of age in England are set out in the following table. Further information about average unit costs for 2011/12 will be published in the next Skills Funding Agency guidance note.
	
		
			 Framework values 
			  19 to 24 (£) 
			 2008/09 3,883 
			 2009/10 3,942 
			 2010/11 3,823 
		
	
	(1) Average unit costs are based on the national rates for each academic year for Apprenticeships undertaken by learners aged 19 to 24 assuming all aspects of the Apprenticeship are required (namely key skills, NVQs and technical skills where appropriate) and that there is no prior learning. Apprenticeships for learners aged 19 to 24 are co-funded, with the employer expected to contribute towards the training costs.

Apprentices: Standards

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with the head of the Skills Funding Agency on the quality of apprenticeships that last for six months or less.

John Hayes: holding answer 7 July 2011
	I have regular meetings with both the chief executive officers of the Skills Funding Agency and the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) where a range of quality and delivery issues are discussed.
	The Specification of Apprenticeships Standards in England (SASE), introduced in March 2011, sets out the requirements for apprenticeships and the NAS are working closely with sector skills councils, colleges and providers to manage its implementation. While there is no set minimum duration for an apprenticeship, as it depends on the apprentice's individual abilities and prior experience, we would generally expect an intermediate level apprenticeship to take about one year to complete. This will allow the apprentice not only to achieve the relevant qualifications, but also to demonstrate their competence in the job role.
	Where a current delivery model falls short of the SASE, the Skills Funding Agency will work with the training provider or college to support them to change their delivery model to one that fully meets the requirements. Where the delivery model cannot be adapted NAS and the agency we will remove our support for the apprenticeship programme and cease funding.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what representations his Department has received from other Government Departments regarding arms export licences to Saudi Arabia.

Mark Prisk: All individual licence applications for the export of arms are circulated to the Foreign Commonwealth Office and Ministry Of Defence and to Department for International Development where issues of sustainable development are involved, who assess the application against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria and advise the Department accordingly. From time to time advice is received from these Departments when extant licences have been reviewed in cases where circumstances have changed significantly from the time when the licences were granted. However we have received no representations from other Government Departments regarding arms export licences to Saudi Arabia outside of this advisory process.

Business: EC Subsidies

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the effect on UK (a) businesses and (b) jobs of EU subsidies to businesses in other EU member states.

Mark Prisk: EU structural and cohesion funds (SCF) provide funding to help narrow the gap in economic growth rates between different EU regions and member states. In the UK, they provide a source of programme funding which has to be matched by domestic funding (either public or private) which aim to improve the business environment, rather than a direct subsidy to business. This Department has not carried out an assessment of the impact on the UK of SCF programmes in other member states.

Business: Finance

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the merits of providing supply chain financing for (a) public and (b) large private companies.

Mark Prisk: In addition to the commitment in the Coalition Agreement to foster diversity in financial services, we have highlighted the potential of supply chain financing in the Plan for Growth, published alongside Budget 2011. I have also met businesses and providers to discuss their experiences of supply chain financing. We are committed to increasing the awareness and understanding of a diverse range of finance forms, including supply chain finance, in both the public and private sectors.

Business: Government Assistance

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to assist family-run businesses.

Mark Prisk: holding answer 7 July 2011 
	: Officials meet regularly with the Institute for Family Business (IFB) to gain an appreciation of the particular issues which these businesses face. We will continue to work with others to look at ways to encourage the growth and development of family businesses, including ensuring that information specific to their needs is included on the Business Link website:
	http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home

Business: Loans

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to increase the number of companies eligible for the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme.

Mark Prisk: The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) was introduced in January 2009, with a broader eligibility than the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) which it replaced. It has assisted 15,000 businesses who have been offered a total of £1.5 billion.
	EFG supports loans to viable businesses with an annual turnover of up to £25 million seeking loans between £1,000 and £1 million, and is available to businesses in most business sectors. However, EFG is subject to certain sector restrictions arising from the EU de minimis State Aid rules, the Industrial Development Act 1982 (which provides the statutory basis for EFG) and also for national policy reasons. A list of the main sector restrictions is provided on the EFG Business Sectors page of the BIS website.
	The operation of the EFG is kept under review, but at this time, we have no plans to change its eligibility criteria.

Careers Service: Manpower

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of staff who will work for the new careers service in England in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15; and if he will make a statement.

John Hayes: The Skills Funding Agency which administers the current Next Step service estimates that the new service will be delivered by approximately 4,200 advisers in the first year of its operation. This estimate is based on the number of customer record management licences currently in force for the Next Step face to face service channel and the number of advisers employed in the Next Step and Connexions Direct contact centres.

Davenham Trust Ltd

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has received any representations on the insolvency of Davenham Trust Ltd.

Edward Davey: The Insolvency Service has not received any representations about Davenham Trust Ltd which according to Companies House is not in a formal insolvency process.

Davenham Trust Ltd

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has received any representations on the financial relationship between the Royal Bank of Scotland and Davenham Trust Ltd; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, has received no representations regarding Davenham Trust Ltd or its financial relationship with Royal Bank of Scotland.

Departmental Carbon Emissions

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department has any plans to generate low-carbon energy from its estate.

Edward Davey: The Department currently generates approximately 2,000 kWh per annum of low carbon energy from its estate. This is generated through 22m(2) of photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the roof of the headquarters building, 1-19 Victoria street in London.
	A feasibility study was conducted in 2006 into whether wind turbines could be installed on the roof of 1 Victoria street. The conclusion was that the wind speed was not sufficient to generate enough energy and planning permission was unlikely to be granted.
	Connection to the proposed Whitehall and Pimlico Combined Heat and Power scheme has been investigated as an option to supply 1 Victoria street's heating demands. This is dependent on the economic viability of connecting the two schemes together.

Departmental Responsibilities

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010.

Edward Davey: We do not retain details of meetings that have been declined.

Direct Selling: Regulation

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills which bodies are responsible for the regulation of products that are marketed through direct selling.

Edward Davey: Where, due to their nature, the properties of products are subject to product specific regulations, those products are subject to the same regulations irrespective of the means by which they are marketed. Similarly, consumers enjoy the same basic rights irrespective of how goods are marketed, for example under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
	However, the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 and the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 provide extra protection in relation to the supply of goods and services marketed by direct means. These cover, among other things, doorstep selling, sales over the internet, or sales over the telephone.
	These regulations are enforced by local authority trading standards officers and the Office of Fair Trading.

Economic Growth: EC Action

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the initiatives brought forward by the European Commission in those areas identified by the Government as priorities for EU growth.

Edward Davey: The Government have identified the following areas as priorities for EU growth: completing the single market; trade liberalisation; reducing costs of doing business and promoting innovation. A summary assessment of all four areas is contained in the UK Government publication “Let's choose growth” published on 31 March this year.
	Further assessment is contained in the following publications: “UK Government response to the European Commission Consultation to the Single Market Act” (February 2011); “Trade and Investment White Paper” (February 2011) and a series of 18 analytical supporting papers (publication ongoing); “Blueprint for Technology” (2010); and “Reducing Regulation made simple” (December 2010).
	These publications are available from the Libraries of the House.

Economic Growth: EC Action

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what actions the Government is taking at EU level to stimulate growth by (a) strengthening the single market, with an emphasis on services and the digital economy, (b) reducing the overall burden of regulation and (c) promoting free, fair and open trade with countries outside the EU.

Edward Davey: On 18 March the Prime Minister and eight other EU Prime Ministers wrote to Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso calling on the EU to focus its efforts on delivering growth. The signatories were the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
	On 31 March the UK Government published “Let's Choose Growth”, which set out the UK's strategy for creating the conditions necessary for growth within the EU. Priority areas identified are: completing the single market; unlocking the benefits of trade; reducing the costs of doing business and; promoting innovation. Government Ministers and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have actively promoted these messages with counterparts throughout the EU.
	The Prime Minister has advocated EU growth policies at European Councils, as he made clear in his statement to the House on 27 June 2011, Official Report, columns 615-17. In order to take this work forward, on 6 July I hosted a ministerial meeting attended by signatories to the 18 March letter as well as Ireland, Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We had a very useful discussion on microeconomic policies and from this officials will be following up on a number of agreed actions in Europe.
	The publications referred to in this response are available from the Libraries of the House.

Education: Research

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Researchers in Residence scheme.

David Willetts: The Researchers in Residence scheme, run by Research Councils UK (RCUK), has been externally evaluated every three years. In 2009 it was evaluated by GHK Consultancy. Programme effectiveness has been assessed on a quarterly basis by RCUK in the form of reports against key performance indicators,
	A recent National Audit Office Report (Educating the Next Generation of Scientists) highlighted the impact of the Researchers in Residence scheme on increasing the percentage of pupils scoring grades A-C in A Level Mathematics in participating schools.
	RCUK is working closely with this Department, the Department for Education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET) and other partner organisations, to explore how best to deliver effective programmes which allow researchers to increasingly engage with schools.

Employment: Legislation

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what reviews into employment law are currently being conducted; and when each will report.

Edward Davey: The employment law review being co-ordinated by the Department is the cross-Government review of employment-related law to which all Departments which impose requirements on employers are contributing. In May, we announced the next set of priority areas under consideration during this Parliament. The Government gives regular updates on the review.
	In addition, employment-related law will be the subject of the Red Tape Challenge spotlight in September.

English Language: Leicester

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2011, Official Report, column 724W, on English language: Leicester, how many adult learners in (a) Leicester South constituency and (b) Leicester local authority area are eligible for a level of fee remission for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses; and how many of these will cease to be eligible after the introduction of his proposed changes;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the level of demand for English for speakers of other languages courses in (a) Leicester South constituency and (b) the Leicester local authority area;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the change in the number of women from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities who will enter employment as a result of the planned reduction in funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses;
	(4)  when he expects to publish the equality impact assessment for his planned changes to the funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses;
	(5)  how many and what proportion of learners who are in receipt of fee remission for English for speakers of other languages courses also receive active benefits in (a) Leicester South constituency and (b) the Leicester local authority area;
	(6)  what his estimate is of the effect on the number of adult and community education jobs of the reduction in funding for English for speakers of other languages courses.

John Hayes: The following table shows adult (19+) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) participation in Leicester local education authority and Leicester South constituency for 2009/10, the latest year for which full year data are available.
	
		
			 Adult (19+) ESOL participation by geography, 2009/10 
			  Number 
			 Leicester local education authority 5,140 
			 Leicester South constituency 1,780 
			 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Geographic information is based upon the home postcode of the learner. 3. Age is based on age at the start of the academic year. Source: Individualised Learner Record 
		
	
	The Government currently provide 50% fee remission for all learners in England participating in ESOL who are eligible for public funded skills provision. Those on income based-benefits are eligible for full fee remission.
	From August 2011, where English language skills have been identified as a barrier to entering employment, full Government funding will be provided for ESOL to unemployed people in receipt of jobseekers allowance or in the employment and support allowance (Work-Related Activity) Group. We will also continue to pay 50% of ESOL course fees for people who are settled here. We will no longer fund ESOL courses delivered in the workplace.
	This Department does not make estimates of the demand for courses. Further education (FE) colleges and training providers are responsible for meeting the needs of their local community, and increased freedoms and flexibilities that we have introduced will help them respond and determine within their funding where this is prioritised.
	An assessment of how the changes announced in Skills for Sustainable Growth may affect ESOL learners is currently being carried out by this Department. I expect to be able to publish this before summer recess.
	We do not directly record what type of benefits people are receiving when they take up training. We do, however, collect information on why a learner has received fee remission for any learning they undertake. From these data we can provide some information on claimants but, this should be used with caution given it does not provide an accurate picture of the full range of benefit entitlements that a person has. Using the fees waived field in the individual learner record we can say for the 2009/10 academic year that 4,800 ESOL enrolments for adult (19+) learners in Leicester local education authority and 1,700 ESOL enrolments for adult (19+) learners in Leicester South constituency received fee remission as the learner was in receipt of an income-related benefit.
	This Department does not make estimates of the effect of policy changes on FE jobs. As autonomous bodies, it is for FE colleges and training providers to make staffing decisions based on their business need.

English Language: Education

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effects of the reduction in fee support for English classes for speakers of other languages on the number of people taking such courses.

John Hayes: holding answer 5 July 2011
	The Equality Impact Assessment published alongside Skills for Sustainable Growth (November 2010) found that, at the aggregate level, there are unlikely to be disproportionate impacts on protected groups. A separate assessment of how the changes may affect English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners is currently being carried out by the Department and will be published before summer recess.

English Language: Education

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in teaching English for speakers of other languages courses; what estimate he has made of the likely number so employed after the implementation of his proposed funding changes; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many representations he has received (a) in support of and (b) in opposition to his proposed changes to the funding of English for speakers of other languages courses;
	(3)  what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the number of households requiring English for speakers of other languages courses; and if he will publish any such research;
	(4)  on what date his Department commenced work on the equality impact assessment in respect of its proposed changes to funding for English for speakers of other languages courses;
	(5)  what assessment he has made of the average household income of those with English for speakers of other language needs;
	(6)  what assessment he has made of the impact on school children of access by their parents to English for speakers of other language courses;
	(7)  what research his Department has conducted into the level of disposable income available to families with English for speakers of other language needs.

David Willetts: Since the publication of “Skills for Sustainable Growth”, a large number of organisations and individuals have made representations to this Department about the impact of our proposals for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). Between 1 January and 31 May, over 1,200 pieces of correspondence were received, and the Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), discussed ESOL in person with a number of hon. Members, further education (FE) bodies and interested groups.
	An assessment of the impact of the changes announced in “Skills for Sustainable Growth” on ESOL learners was agreed in principle in November 2010 and formally commissioned in February 2011. The assessment will be published before the summer recess.
	This Department has made no estimate of the effect of policy changes on employment in the FE sector since, as autonomous bodies, it is for FE colleges and other training providers to make staffing decisions based on their business needs. Neither has this Department estimated the demand for specific courses. National Statistics on FE participation and achievement are published quarterly.
	Likewise, this Department has made no specific assessment of the impact on school children of their parents' access to ESOL courses and has not undertaken any research into household income or the level of disposable income available to families with ESOL needs.
	Attitudes and views from both learners and non-learners were, however, examined by the 2005 National Adult Learners Survey. This showed that difficulty in paying course fees was only cited by 21% of respondents (21% of learners and 18% of non-learners) as an obstacle to learning.
	Analysis of the income levels of Level 2 and Level 3 learners in the FE sector was also undertaken using data drawn from the Labour Force Survey, Apprenticeship Pay Survey and the Prior Qualifications Survey. For work-based learning, around two-thirds of learners were in the bottom two income quintiles (ie earning below £17,000 per year), and for college-based learning around four-fifths of those who were working were in the bottom two income quintiles. The analysis did not explicitly cover either Skills for Life (SfL) or ESOL learners, as it was done to assess the impact of changes to age and qualification-related entitlements which were announced in the November 2010 Skills for Sustainable Growth and Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth. We are currently conducting a new survey of incomes of FE sector learners which will include SfL and ESOL learners. Results from this survey should be available by the end of this year.

Environment Protection

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the engagement of (a) women and (b) Black and Asian minority ethnic groups in developing skills for low-carbon energy technologies.

David Willetts: Colleges will have the freedom to respond to demands from all employers and learners, delivering the skills that an increasingly dynamic economy needs. That includes skills in the low carbon energy sector. We have no plans to offer special support to any specific group in skills for low carbon technologies.

Export Development Credits: Colombia

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure that his Department's support for UK businesses in Colombia does not (a) adversely affect the human rights situation in that country and (b) support activities requiring land use.

Mark Prisk: The UK Government are committed to promoting respect for human rights among UK companies operating anywhere overseas. We stand ready to help British firms with advice on their political and reputational risk management.
	The UK Government are committed to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We encourage all British companies to observe these international standards.
	UK Trade and Investment and human rights colleagues in the British embassy in Bogota work closely together on these issues. They are also working with Colombian business organisations to adapt the international guiding principles on business and human rights to a Colombian context, and so help businesses create policies to ensure they are adhered to. The outcome will be made available to British businesses once finalised.
	Colombia passed the historic Land and Victims Law on 11 June 2011. It aims to provide compensation to victims of Colombia's internal armed conflict and to restitute land to those who have been forcibly displaced. The land reform initiative should have a positive impact on the human rights agenda. We support British companies involved in land issues in Colombia provided they follow the agreed processes and international standards.

Further Education

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received from further education colleges on the provision and accreditation of degree courses.

David Willetts: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and I have received a substantial number of recent representations from further education colleges on their provision of degree courses. The Higher Education White Paper sets out our proposals to improve the provision of degree courses in further education colleges. This includes allowing further education colleges and other providers who combine good quality with value for money to bid for a flexible margin of 20,000 student places in 2012/13 and changes to degree-awarding powers that are likely to increase the range of validating institutions, giving greater choice for further education colleges.

Green Investment Bank: Location

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  for what reasons capital costs have not been included in the selection criteria for the location of the Green Investment Bank;
	(2)  what relative weighting is accorded to operational costs in the selection criteria for the location for the Green Investment Bank;
	(3)  which aspects of the selection criteria for a location for the Green Investment Bank are location-dependent; and what relative weighting is applied to each of these aspects;
	(4)  which skills he has identified as being most necessary in the local workforce for the Green Investment Bank; what work his Department is doing to identify those areas of the country with high levels of these skills; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  at what point London, Edinburgh and Bristol were selected as contender cities to host the Green Investment Bank; which other locations he considered; and for what reasons each of these was rejected as a potential location.

Mark Prisk: The sighting of the Green Investment Bank will need to ensure it provides easy access to deep pools of talent with the necessary ‘green’ and financial services skills.
	The Government's document “Update on the design of the Green Investment Bank” identified a number of criteria for the decision on location. One of these criteria was commercial costs, which includes capital costs. The bank's location will be decided after state aid approval has been given and a decision on the relative weighting of each criterion will be made in due course.
	In the meantime, Ministers will consider all submitted business cases for the bank's location. To date, London, Edinburgh and Bristol have each made representations to host the bank.

Higher Education

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many representations he has received in support of making it easier for higher education institutions to change their legal status in the last six months for which information is available; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: I have received a number of representations leading up to the Higher Education White Paper on possible barriers faced by new providers wishing to enter the market and by institutions seeking to expand, including around legal status.
	The forthcoming regulatory framework consultation will explore whether there is a need for legislative change in order to make to process of changing legal status easier.

Higher Education

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the change in the proportion of young people entering higher education from disadvantaged areas between May 1997 and April 2010; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: In January 2010 the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) published “Trends in young participation in higher education: core results for England”. In the mid-1990s the young participation rate for these disadvantaged areas was on average 13%. The equivalent figure for the 2009-10 entry cohort was 19%. Disadvantaged areas reflect that quintile of wards with traditionally the lowest recorded rates of young participation.
	A copy of the full HEFCE report can be found at the following website:
	http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2010/10_03/
	This data covers the cohorts of young people from 1994/95 to 2009/10.

Higher Education

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what modelling has been carried out by his Department to assess the likely effect of proposals in the Higher Education White Paper on existing courses and institutions.

David Willetts: The impact assessment of the proposals in the Higher Education White Paper can be found on our website. This includes modelling on the potential effect of proposals on different types of institutions.

Higher Education

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many representations he has received in favour of amending the process of gaining (a) a university title and (b) degree awarding powers.

David Willetts: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and I have received a number of representations from a range of organisations in favour of amending the process on university title and degree awarding powers. The Higher Education White Paper sets out our proposals in these areas and the forthcoming regulatory framework consultation will explore these proposals in more detail and seek further views.

Higher Education

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many higher education institutions have contacted his Department regarding the possibility of their ceasing to be public institutions in the last 12 months.

David Willetts: No institutions have contacted the Department in this way.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what administrative or other support he has made available to the Government's Advocate for Access to Education; and what estimate he has made of the cost of such support.

David Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills agreed to provide a limited amount of administrative support because of the natural synergies between the Advocate for Access to Education work and Higher Education policy. The Department provided him with a desk and a phone line at no additional cost to the Department as this was available within our normal capacity. He was assigned the services of two BIS officials—one part time and one full time—who were between permanent roles within the Department, the approximate employment costs for whom were £28,000 (1.0) and £14,500 (0.5) respectively. He was also assigned two members of Department for Education staff (Grade 7 and EO both 0.4 pro rata) during the busiest period.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish the access agreements between the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) and individual higher education institutions made in the most recent year available; which higher education institutions have had plans rejected by OFFA; and what changes OFFA has sought in the plans of each such higher education institution which has submitted plans.

David Willetts: holding answer 7 July 2011
	The director of Fair Access is independent. The submission of draft access agreements and the subsequent discussions with higher education institutions are a matter for the director of Office for Fair Access (OFFA). Once approved by the director, all access agreements are published on the website of the Office for Fair Access at:
	http://www.offa.org.uk/access-agreements/
	The director has said he intends to announce the outcome of the process of approving access agreements for 2012/13 on 12 July 2011.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he has received from the Government's Advocate for Access to Education on the access agreements of individual higher education institutions; and which institutions have been the subject of such representations.

David Willetts: holding answer 7 July 2011
	The submission of draft access agreements and the subsequent discussions with higher education institutions are a matter for the director of Fair Access, who is independent of Government. Once approved by the director, all access agreements are published on the website of the Office for Fair Access at:
	http://www.offa.org.uk/access-agreements/
	The right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) has now completed his term as the Government's Advocate for Access to Education. He will shortly be presenting his final report to the Prime Minister and it making it public.

Higher Education: Admissions

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to allow the Office for Fair Access to reduce the total number of students studying at a university that is not achieving widening participation benchmarks; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: holding answer 7 July 2011
	The powers of the Director of Fair Access were established by the Higher Education Act 2004 and do not include the power to control or reduce student numbers.
	Every institution that intends to charge more than £6,000 for its courses must have an Access Agreement approved by the Director of Fair Access. Without an approved Access Agreement the institution cannot charge more than the basic level of £6,000 from 2012/13.
	The Director of Fair Access has a range of sanctions available to use against any institution that is not meeting the terms of its Access Agreement.
	The major sanction available is not to approve or renew an Access Agreement. This would remove the institution's right to charge its students above the basic level. The Director of Fair Access may also impose a fine (via the Higher Education Funding Council for England) of up to £500,000, or require restitution if students have been disadvantaged or commitments have not been honoured.
	The recent White Paper on Higher Education set out our plans to strengthen the Office for Fair Access (OFFA), and we have asked the new Director to advise us on whether OFFA's current powers are the right ones to achieve its statutory goals and to report to us this autumn about further sanctions and powers to support OFFA in its work—so that it can go further and faster to drive fair access and widen participation.

Higher Education: Admissions

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to allow the Office for Fair Access to fine universities for not achieving widening participation benchmarks; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: holding answer 7 July 2011
	The Director of Fair Access has a range of sanctions available to use against any institution that is not meeting the terms of its Access Agreement.
	The major sanction available is not to approve or renew an Access Agreement. This would remove the institution's right to charge its students above the basic level. The Director of Fair Access may also impose a fine (via the Higher Education Funding Council for England) of up to £500,000, or require restitution if students have been disadvantaged or commitments have not been honoured.
	The recent White Paper on Higher Education set out our plans to strengthen the Office for Fair Access (OFFA), and we have asked the new Director to advise us on whether OFFA's current powers are the right ones to achieve its statutory goals and to report to us this autumn about further sanctions and powers to support OFFA in its work—so that it can go further and faster to drive fair access and widen participation.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to which hon. Members his Department has supplied copies of university access agreements and proposed agreements since May 2010; and what the status was of the relevant educational institution in each case.

David Willetts: The Director of Fair Access is independent of Government. The submission of draft access agreements and the subsequent discussions with higher education institutions are a matter for the director. Once approved by the director, all access agreements are published on the website of the Office for Fair Access at:
	http://www.offa.org.uk/access-agreements/

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to publish the contextual data used by individual higher education institutions in admissions decisions as set out in paragraph 5.18 of the Higher Education White Paper.

David Willetts: We have no plans to publish the contextual data used by universities.
	Universities are responsible for their own admissions policies and decisions. Whether to use such information is up to each university, as they will be best placed to decide on the information that will help to identify the candidates with the talent and potential to succeed at that institution or on a particular course. The Government believe that the use of such data is a valid and appropriate way for institutions to broaden access while maintaining excellence, so long as individuals are considered on their merits, and institutions' procedures are fair, transparent and evidence-based.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to promote the allocation of university places for students with non-graduate parents.

David Willetts: The Government have been very clear about the importance of widening participation and improving fair access in higher education. We are establishing a new framework, with increased responsibility on universities to widen participation, and greater Government investment in improving attainment and access for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Higher education institutions will deliver a range of outreach activities as part of their access agreements, agreed with the Office for Fair Access, and their widening participation strategic assessments, agreed with the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what factors underlay his decision to ask for advice in the autumn on the first round of approvals of new Access Agreements set out in paragraph 5.25 of the Higher Education White Paper; and whether such advice has been asked for in the past on the basis set out in the White Paper.

David Willetts: Ministers at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills wrote to the Director of Fair Access on 10 February 2011 setting out the Government's expectations about how he should approach the approval and monitoring of new Access Agreements. The guidance set out significantly increased expectations for the priority that institutions should give to fair access and widening participation. We have made clear that we expect there to be a strengthened process for agreeing the level of investment each institution should make in activities to improve access, linked to progress being made and distance to travel to achieve published measures.
	In that letter we asked the Director for his formal Access Agreement monitoring outcome report to analyse and comment on institutions' performance against their own benchmarks, measures and targets, and how these become more ambitious in relation to how much above the basic level an institution intends to charge. We also asked him to report to Government on his experiences of approving Access Agreements and how well institutions have been able to respond to these new arrangements, including any additional powers or requirements that may be needed in order to secure rapid progress. In the longer term we will also discuss these issues with the new Director.

Higher Education: Admissions

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received on the use of contextual data in the university admissions process; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: My ministerial colleagues and I regularly meet with stakeholders and receive letters on the use of contextual data in the university admissions process. In recent months, the subject has been raised at meetings with the Office for Fair Access, the Sutton Trust, Universities UK and university mission groups. We have also received written representations from a number of Members of both Houses, private individuals and representative bodies. Those representations encompass a range of opinion.
	The Government believe that the use of contextual data is a valid and appropriate way for institutions to broaden access while maintaining excellence, so long as individuals are considered on their merits, and institutions' procedures are fair, transparent and evidence based.

Higher Education: Environment Protection

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions his Department has had with universities on the research and development of low-carbon energy technologies.

David Willetts: The Department for Business Innovation and Skills does not directly provide universities with funding for research into low-carbon energy technologies. However, the Department provides funding to the Research Councils, Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which provide a range of support to universities.
	The Research Councils UK Energy Programme is an ongoing investment in research and postgraduate training. The programme supports a full spectrum of energy research to help the UK meet its energy and environmental targets and to ensure a secure, affordable, sustainable energy supply for all.
	Representatives from this Department and TSB attend the meetings of the Energy Programme Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). The membership of the SAC includes representatives from universities.

Higher Education: Pay

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made an assessment of the potential effects on pay and conditions for academic staff of price competition between public and private sector providers of higher education.

David Willetts: Higher education institutions are private sector organisations. All providers of higher education are responsible themselves for determining the pay and conditions of their staff, as such the Government have made no such assessment. Institutions which currently receive public funding often compete for the best staff nationally and internationally, and with the other professions.

Higher Education: Private Sector

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on what dates the Minister for Universities and Science has met representatives of (a) Kaplan UK, (b) Kaplan Europe and (c) Apollo Group International since his appointment.

David Willetts: I met with representatives of Apollo Group on 10 May 2011. I attended an event where a representative of Kaplan Europe was present on 3 May 2011 and an event where a representative of Kaplan UK was present on 17 May 2011.
	A quarterly-updated list of all BIS ministerial meetings with external organisations is also available at:
	http://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/disclosure-ministerial-hospitality-received-department-for-business

Higher Education: Public Expenditure

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much was allocated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England for the purposes of widening participation in each of the last three years; how much he expects it to allocate for such purposes in each year of the comprehensive spending review period; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The following table contains the funding allocated by HEFCE over the past three years.
	
		
			 £ million to nearest whole number 
			  2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 
			 Aimhigher and Aimhigher Associates 84 89 87 
			 Additional HE summer schools 1 2 — 
			 Widening participation allocation 110 141 143 
		
	
	The Government have been very clear about the importance of widening participation and improving fair access in higher education. We are establishing a new framework, with increased responsibility on universities to widen participation; and greater Government investment in improving attainment and access for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Higher education Institutions (HEIs) will deliver a range of outreach activities as part of their access agreements, agreed with the Office for Fair Access, and their widening participation strategic assessments, agreed with the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
	The future role of the current Widening Participation Allocation will be considered as part of HEFCE's consultation on the use of the teaching grant to ensure that it supports successful widening participation activity in the future, and the Government have already made clear that this remains a priority.
	The Government are investing in the new National Scholarship programme, providing funding for the programme with £50 million in the first year (2012/13), rising to £100 million in 2013/14 and £150 million a year from 2014/15. This funding will be allocated by HEFCE. Institutions will be expected to match fund Government's contribution.
	In addition, every institution that intends to charge more than £6,000 for its courses must have an Access Agreement approved by the Director of Fair Access. Access Agreements are plans drawn up by institutions setting out how they will promote access to higher education from under-represented groups and the investment they will make in outreach and other access activities.

Higher Education: Standards

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what evidence he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects of relaxing regulations governing providers' access to student loans and university accreditation on the quality of higher education.

David Willetts: The Higher Education White Paper published on 30 June proposes a single, transparent regulatory framework with which all providers in the higher education system will need to comply if they wish to benefit from public funding. The purpose is to create a level playing field for all providers while maintaining high quality and academic standards in all higher education provision. We will consult in the summer on detailed proposals for the future regulatory framework.

Insolvency

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effects on (a) the viability of businesses and (b) levels of employment of requiring suppliers to continue to supply companies in administration.

Edward Davey: The Government are currently considering the case for updating Section 233 of the Insolvency Act 1986 and the wider issue of termination clauses. My officials at The Insolvency Service are meeting with stakeholders to hear their views and to gauge an initial view of the merits of such a change, including an initial assessment of the costs and benefits. Further detailed quantifiable evidence will be required if this issue is taken forward.

Insolvency

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what organisations he has met to discuss termination clauses in insolvency cases since the written ministerial statement of 11 May 2011, Official Report, column 37WS, on a company voluntary arrangement moratorium.

Edward Davey: Officials have met various representative stakeholder groups to discuss the responses contained in the Restructuring Moratorium Consultation response document. These discussions included the topic of termination clauses in respect of the moratorium and other insolvency procedures. The organisations they have met are the British Bankers Association, the City of London Law Society (Financial Law Committee), R3 (Association of Business Recovery Professionals), Ernst and Young LLP and the Insolvency Lawyers' Association. Further meetings are scheduled to take place with the City of London Law Society (Insolvency Law Committee) and the Association for Financial Markets in Europe.

Labour Migration

Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the performance of migrants in the labour market in the last five years.

Edward Davey: In the last five years the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has not commissioned or evaluated the performance of migrants in the labour market.
	However, the Government have asked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise it on migration matters. As a part of its work the MAC has published reports that describe the performance of migrants in the UK labour market. The MAC’S reports are available on its website:
	http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/indbodies/mac/reports-publications/

National Income: Pakistan

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the total contribution to the economy of Pakistan of net exports, investment and aid from the UK as a proportion of that country's GDP.

Mark Prisk: UK exports of goods and services to Pakistan were worth £852 million in 2009 (corresponding to about 0.8% of Pakistan's GDP), while UK imports from Pakistan were worth £1,068 million (about 1.0%).
	The stock of UK foreign direct investment in Pakistan at the end of 2009 was worth about £1,164 million (corresponding to about 1.1% of Pakistan's GDP). The total figure for Overseas Development Aid (including that for multilateral institutions in Pakistan) is £233.7 million (or about 0.22%% of Pakistan's GDP).

National Union of Rail Maritime and Transport Workers

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost to the public purse was of funding provided by his Department to (a) RMT Learning, (b) Rail Union Learning and (c) the RMT National Education Centre in each of the last 10 years.

David Willetts: The Government currently provide £21.5 million (via an annual grant agreement) to support the Union Learning Fund (ULF) and unionlearn. Since April 2007 the fund has been managed and administered by unionlearn, the TUC's learning and skills organisation under an agreement with the Department which directs the level and type of training that should be supported by the fund. Detailed information on allocation of funds to trade unions and cost of courses supported by ULF is not held centrally by the Department. However, TUC records indicate spend as follows:
	
		
			  Spend 
			 (a) RMT Learning  
			 2000/01 9,864 
			 2001/02 40,300 
			 2003/04 168,641 
			 2008/09 347,257 
			 2009/10 492,401 
		
	
	
		
			 2010/11 472,003 
			 Total 1,530,46 
			   
			 (b) Rail Union Learning  
			 2004/05 649,062 
			 2005/06 665,972 
			 2006/07 607,694 
			 2007/08 817,639 
			 Total 2,740,367 
		
	
	(c) RMT National Education Centre
	The TUC do not provide any direct resources for RMT education. This is funded by the union.
	Projects supported under the Union learning Fund (ULF) have objectives specifically aimed at widening participation in learning: Skills for Life, social inclusion and equal opportunities and improving access to learning. Unions and other ULRs play a significant role to work effectively with employers, employees and learning providers in helping adults, particularly those who are poorly qualified and with no background in continuing their education, to become engaged and more confident with learning and improve their skills.

New Businesses

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and medium-sized enterprise start-ups there were in (a) York, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England in each year since 2005.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many small and medium-sized enterprise start-ups there were in (a) York, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England in each year since 2005.
	Statistics on the number of enterprise births each year are available from the ONS release on Business Demography at:
	www.statistics.gov.uk
	The table below contains the latest statistics available, which give the number of enterprise births by employment size in (a) York, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England in each year since 2005. Information relating to 2010 will be available following release of the latest Business Demography publication in December 2011.
	
		
			 Enterprises births in York unitary authority, Yorkshire and the Humber region and England, from 2005 to 2009 
			  York unitary authority Yorkshire and the Humber England 
			  0 to 49 50 to 250 0 to 49 50 to 250 0 to 49 50 to 250 
			  (Small) (Medium) (Small) (Medium) (Small) (Medium) 
			 2005 765 0 19,885 35 241,015 325 
			 2006 660 0 18,515 35 224,770 285 
			 2007 700 0 20,355 25 246,335 295 
			 2008 735 0 18,650 20 236,050 245 
			 2009 570 0 16,975 30 208,755 230

Office for Fair Access: Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the budget of the Office for Fair Access in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: holding answer 7 July 2011
	In the financial year 2010/11 the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) baseline budget was £484,000, We have agreed in the course of this year (2011/12) to increase this to £630,000 and have said to the director that we will keep under review his needs for resources.
	The Government have committed through the recent Higher Education White Paper to strengthen OFFA, so that it can provide more active and energetic challenge and support to universities and colleges. We will want to work with the director on the size and structure of OFFA but will make significantly more resources available, increasing capacity up to around four times its original level.
	For any university wanting to charge more than £6,000, the Government issued, in February, new and strengthened guidance to the director of fair access asking the director to review access agreements annually rather than every five years as at present.

Regional Growth Fund: West Midlands

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many bids to the regional growth fund from the west midlands were unsuccessful in the first round.

Mark Prisk: holding answer 6 July 2011
	Sixty six bids from the west midlands were unsuccessful in round 1 of the Regional Growth Fund.

Skills Funding Agency: Public Expenditure

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding he plans to allocate to the Skills Funding Agency to fund the Government's new careers service (a) in total and (b) in each region in each year of the comprehensive spending review period; and if he will make a statement.

John Hayes: In “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth”, the Government announced a budget for information, advice and guidance of £81.016 million in 2011-12 and an indicative budget of £84.438 million for 2012-13.
	The budget will fund the development and running costs of the new National Careers Service which will be launched in April 2012, and development of Lifelong Learning Accounts to be launched in September this year. The web and telephone aspects of the National Careers Service will be delivered nationally. In financial year 2012-13, the Skills Funding Agency expects each region's allocation for delivery of the face to face element of the service to be broadly similar to those made in the current financial year.
	The regional allocations to support delivery of the face to face element of the service in 2011-12 are as follows:
	
		
			 Region Core (£) 
			 East Midlands 3,504,037 
			 East of England 4,997,217 
			 London 8,659,289 
			 North East 1,393,546 
			 North West 5,780,900 
			 South East 6,900,888 
			 South West 3,362,101 
			 West Midlands 2,705,739 
			 Yorkshire and The Humber 3,946,226 
			 Total 41,249,942

St George's Property Services London

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will examine the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Paul Clark and David Whitehouse as administrators of St George's Property Service London Ltd.

Edward Davey: Neither the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, nor I have the authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding the appointment of the administrators. The administrators act under the supervision of the court and issues associated with their appointment and subsequent actions have been the subject of judicial consideration. The Chancellor of the High Court in his judgment on appeal delivered on 14 October 2010 set aside an order to remove the administrators.
	With regard to the general conduct of the administrators, any concerns would be for the consideration of the regulatory body responsible for authorising the administrators, in this case the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA).

Student Loans Company

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the future of the Student Loans Company; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: As set out in the Higher Education White Paper “Students at the heart of the system”, published in June 2011, there will be changes to student finance funding flows as the balance of public investment shifts from grants to loans. This has implications for how the Student Loans Company and the Higher Education Funding Council for England work together and they have already begun joint planning for closer co-operation in the future and to consider any structural changes that might be required. Any changes arising from the White Paper will take into account the service which applicants for student finance have a right to expect.

Students: Finance

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 478W, on students: finance, through what (a) radio, (b) press and (c) digital outlets the campaign has been provided; and what has been the cost of such advertising in each media.

David Willetts: I will write to the right hon. Member for Tottenham with details of the radio networks, publications and digital outlets used during the first phase of the higher education information campaign which ran between 9 May and the end of June and a copy will be placed in the Libraries of the House. In total the Department has thus far allocated nearly £2.5 million to its information campaign. The campaign is designed to be proportionate while achieving its aim of ensuring that prospective students and their families find out about the full package of support available for access to higher education. During the first phase the expected campaign costs on the specified media requested, which excludes costs for a youth media partnership including television and other activities, are set out as follows:
	(a) radio is expected to cost £257,328.
	(b) press advertising is expected to cost £98,801.
	(c) digital is expected to cost £76,291. In addition paid search via digital media is expected to cost £69,322.
	A further information campaign burst will commence in the autumn alongside other initiatives.

Students: Finance

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 13 June 2011, Official Report, column 573W, on students: finance, what expenditure his Department expects to incur on advertisements (a) through radio, (b) through television, (c) online and (d) through other media to communicate student finance arrangements for financial years (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13.

David Willetts: Decisions about what expenditure will be incurred in 2011-12 by the Department and the Student Loans Company (SLC) will be proportionate and any additional expenditure timed to coincide with those periods when students and their parents/carers need information. Account will also be taken of the evaluation of the first phase of campaign activity and, in the case of the SLC, application numbers. It is not therefore possible to say how any additional expenditure will be allocated in 2011-12.
	However, of the £1.475 million allocated to the information campaign, aimed at ensuring potential students and their parents or carers know about the full package of support from 2012, the following sums have been allocated to date. Information is also supplied covering the expenditure by the SLC for those students considering higher education in 2011:
	
		
			 Expenditure by media covering the 2011-12 financial year 
			 £ 
			  BIS SLC 
			 Radio 257,328 — 
			 TV(1) 181,025 — 
			 Online(2) 76,291 plus 69,322 27,600 
			 Other media 101,951 32,400 
			 (1) TV: This was a media partnership which provides access to several media channels including Channel 4 youth oriented TV channels. (2) In addition £69,322 was paid for digital search. 
		
	
	An additional budget of £960,000 has recently been approved for a direct mailing to potential students, school road shows, additional evaluation and an enhancement to the campaign website.
	Budgets for 2012-13 expenditure are not yet known.

Students: Loans

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  whether his Department's consultation on potential early repayment mechanisms for student loans applies to sums which have already been borrowed but not yet repaid;
	(2)  whether the Government's consultation on the introduction of early repayment mechanisms for student loans applies only to loans taken out for the academic years 2012/13 and beyond.

David Willetts: The potential early repayment mechanisms, which are currently the subject of consultation, would be applied only to student loans provided from academic year 2012/13 onwards as part of the new student finance system.
	Student loans provided under the existing income contingent repayment system would not be affected by any early repayment mechanism, were one to be introduced. Such a system would not apply to either existing loans or those issued in the future to students who started their course prior to September 2012, and who remained eligible for loans under the current system of student finance.

Students: Loans

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of university undergraduates starting courses in autumn 2012 are expected to take out a taxpayer-funded loan if there are (a) penalties and (b) no penalties for early repayment.

David Willetts: The Department currently assumes that of the students starting courses in autumn 2012 that are eligible to take out a taxpayer-funded fee loan, 90% will do so.
	The Government are currently consulting on potential early repayment mechanisms. As part of this consultation we are seeking views regarding the potential impact on borrowers of the proposed options.

Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on what date (a) officials in his Department were, (b) Ministers in his Department were and (c) he was informed of the outcome of the tender for the Thameslink rolling stock contract.

Mark Prisk: Officials in this Department were formally notified late on 14 June 2011 and I and other BIS Ministers were fully informed of the details of the final decision on 15 June 2011.

Thameslink: Contracts

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport on the decision to award the Thameslink contract to an overseas consortium.

Mark Prisk: Ministers are not allowed to discuss the details of individual bids for contracts before they are awarded. The Invitation to Tender produced in 2008 specified the evaluation criteria by which bids for the Thameslink contract would be judged. The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), and I have jointly written to the Prime Minister outlining our plan for the Growth Review to fully explore the opportunity to take a more strategic approach to major public procurement.

THQ Digital Studios

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011 to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Official Report, columns 480-1W, on THQ, what discussions UK Trade & Investment officials have had with representatives of THQ on the closure of its Warrington studios.

Mark Prisk: holding answer 6 July 2011
	A UK Trade & Investment official met with the Senior Vice President, European Publishing in Woking on 23 March 2011 and more recently met with the Executive Vice President of Global Publishing in the USA on 8 June 2011. Neither mentioned the closure of the Warrington studios at these meetings.

TUC Education

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his Department provided to TUC Education in each of the last 10 years.

David Willetts: Since April 2010, the Skills Funding Agency has been responsible for funding post-19 further education (FE) and skills provision delivered through FE colleges and training organisations (the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) had this responsibility from 2001).
	Each academic year, FE colleges and training organisations receive a post-19 funding allocation at the programme level (for example budgets for adult skills, adult safeguarded learning and/or offender learning and skills). As funding is not allocated at the learning aim level the amount of money spent on TUC learning aims is not reported centrally by the Skills Funding Agency (or the LSC previously).
	From the 2011/12 academic year we have introduced a single adult skills budget. This will provide FE colleges and training organisations with the flexibility to offer the range and balance of programmes, from basic skills to higher-level skills, in the mode of delivery that will best meet the needs of learners, employers and communities (classroom, workshop, online and in the workplace).

Union Modernisation Fund

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made a value for money assessment of the use of the funding from the public purse for each round of the Union Modernisation Fund.

Edward Davey: Yes. The successful projects from each round of the Union Modernisation Fund are evaluated and the results published to enable others to test innovative new ideas, to learn what works and to apply these lessons more widely.
	Evaluation reports for rounds one and two can be found on the BIS website as follows:
	http://www.bis.gov.uk/Policies/employment-matters/strategies/umf
	Plans are now being considered for the evaluation of round three projects when they are completed.

Union Modernisation Fund

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his Department provided to each trade union under each round of the Union Modernisation Fund; and for what purposes each such amount was provided.

Edward Davey: A list of the trade unions projects supported under Union Modernisation Fund rounds one to three will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Further information on all projects can be found on the BIS website as follows:
	http://www.bis.gov.uk/Policies/employment-matters/strategies/umf

Working Hours: EU Law

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) correspondence and (b) meetings (i) Ministers and (ii) senior officials of his Department have had with (A) the UK Permanent Representative to the EU and (B) the Department of Health, on revisions to the application of the European Working Time Directive in the last 12 months.

Edward Davey: Restricting the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom is a key coalition commitment and Ministers and officials in this Department work closely with the office of the UK Permanent Representative to the EU and with the Department of Health, and with other interested Departments to achieve this objective. Although formal European negotiations on a revised directive have yet to begin, Departments have worked together to ensure UK views on the directive are known and understood, in particular by the Commission and other member states.
	It would not be practical to record the ongoing, regular contacts between Departments on these matters. At ministerial level, in addition to discussions within Cabinet Committees, I met the Minister of State for Health my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns) on 14 September 2010; the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and I met the Secretary of State for Health, on 3 May, and the Secretary of State for Health and I will jointly visit Brussels on 13 July to meet with Commissioner Andor to discuss Working Time.

TRANSPORT

Airports

Brian H Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of the importance of airports to the economy.

Theresa Villiers: As part of the process of developing a sustainable framework for UK aviation, the Department for Transport published a scoping document in March 2011, chapter 2 of which provides information on the economic contribution of the air transport sector. The scoping document provides an opportunity for respondents submit further evidence on how aviation benefits the UK. The scoping document can be found at:
	http://www2.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2011-09/consultationdocument.pdf

Aviation: Safety

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  if he will publish the Civil Aviation Authority's SAFE programme for the evaluation of aircrew fatigue;
	(2)  how much the Civil Aviation Authority has spent on the development of the SAFE programme for the evaluation of aircrew fatigue.

Theresa Villiers: The System for Aircrew Fatigue Evaluation (SAFE) was developed by the Civil Aviation Authority and QinetiQ. They jointly hold the intellectual property rights. The CAA is currently working with QinetiQ to make the SAFE software available for purchase.
	The overall cost of the development of the SAFE programme is a matter for the CAA. The hon. Member may wish to write to the Chair of the CAA at CAA House, 45-59 Kingsway London WC2B 6TE.

Channel Tunnel Railway Line

Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment he has made of the contribution to the economy of High Speed 1.

Theresa Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has not made any economic assessment for High Speed one in the recent past. However, London and Continental Railway had commissioned an independent study carried out by Colin Buchanan and Voleterra on the economic impact for HS1 in 2009. A copy of the report can be found at:
	http://www.colinbuchanan.com/uploads/cms/files/147e7dfc-2a53-4267-83d7-72bdde92062e.pdf

Channel Tunnel Railway Line: Leasing

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the agreement reached with Borealis Infrastructure and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan for the leasing of High Speed 1.

Theresa Villiers: The HS1 Concession is available on the High Speed 1 Limited website and can be downloaded at:
	http://highspeed1.co.uk/regulatory/concession-agreement

Crossrail Line: Public Lavatories

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether toilet facilities will be fitted where a station is to be rebuilt under the Crossrail programme.

Theresa Villiers: Although final decisions have not been taken, Crossrail Ltd and Network Rail currently envisage retaining/reintroducing toilets at stations where facilities already exist (but are not necessarily available for use at present) and to provide toilets at stations that are being significantly rebuilt.

SOCA: Licence Revocation

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people (a) had their pilot's licence revoked and (b) were disqualified from driving following a recommendation by the Serious Organised Crime Agency in each year since 2006.

Theresa Villiers: The CAA and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency do not hold information on where a Serious Organised Crime Agency recommendation has led to a licence revocation.

East Coast Railway Line: Franchises

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bid clarification requests were made by the shortlisted bidders in respect of the Greater Anglia franchise in the latest period for which figures are available; and to how many such requests his Department responded within its target time for such responses.

Theresa Villiers: As of 30 June, 719 clarification requests were made by shortlisted bidders. We undertake to respond expeditiously having regard to the extent and availability of information requested. We endeavour to respond to all queries before bids are submitted. We do not state a specific target time to respond but aim for a 14 calendar day turnaround for clarification requests for which information is readily available. We achieved this on 475 of the requests.

East Coast Railway Line: Franchises

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what target times have been set for the existing operator to respond to bid clarification requests from the shortlisted bidders for the Greater Anglia franchise.

Theresa Villiers: A general target time of 14 calendar days is stipulated for the existing operator to respond to bid clarification requests. However the time taken to respond can depend on the nature, extent and availability of the information requested.

East Coast Railway Line: Franchises

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many and what proportion of responses the current operator has provided to bid clarification requests within the target timeframe in respect of the bidding process for the Greater Anglia franchise.

Theresa Villiers: The current operator has had 448 clarification requests to respond to as of Friday 1 July 2011. Of these, 405 have been responded to and 220 of these were replied to within 14 calendar days, approximately 54%: The time taken to respond can depend on the nature, extent and availability of the information requested.

High Speed 2

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the (a) costs and (b) effects of changes required to Euston station and its environs as a result of (i) High Speed 2 and (ii) Rail Package 2.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 5 July 2011
	HS2 would enable the redevelopment of Euston station, which would likely be necessary regardless of whether HS2 proceeds. The redevelopment and expansion of the station, including 10 HS2 platforms, a new ground-level concourse serving the whole station, the reconfiguration and expansion of the existing inadequate London Underground ticket hall and a new bus interchange would cost £1.01 billion to construct. This figure excludes HS2 costs (e.g. design and project management), compensation costs, and risk and optimism bias. However, the Government anticipate that a considerable proportion of this cost could be recouped from at-station commercial and residential development. Information on the property and other impacts of the station redevelopment are set out in the Appraisal of Sustainability, available at:
	http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/library/documents
	Rail Package 2 would require the provision of three additional platforms at Euston, which has been costed at £62 million, excluding on-costs, compensation, and any improvements to London Underground interfaces. This work would be conducted within the existing station footprint. It would be likely to cause significant disruption to passengers as there would be no scope to commission new platforms ahead of closing existing platforms for redevelopment. In addition, as the Euston works necessary for Rail Package 2 have not been developed to the same level of detail as the HS2 proposals, further technical work would be necessary to consider whether the proposals would not also require the widening and remodelling of the station throat and the London Underground interfaces.

High Speed 2

Steven Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what the date is of the earliest letter from an hon. Member concerning High Speed 2 to which he has not yet replied;
	(2)  how many letters he has received from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2 in each month since January 2011;
	(3)  what the average time taken by his Department to respond to letters from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2 was in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(4)  whether he has a target time for responding to letters from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2.

Philip Hammond: Since May 2010 my Department has received in excess of 1,100 letters from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2. In addition my Department has responded to over 3,000 letters from the public. Because some correspondence from hon. Members addresses transport-related matters in addition to High Speed 2, it is not possible to establish an exact figure.
	For the same reason it is not possible to establish the average time taken by my Department to respond to High Speed 2 letters from hon. Members. The Department's published target is to answer correspondence from hon. Members within 15 working days of receipt.
	Between January and June 2011, my Department received on average in excess of 75 letters per month from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2. In June 2011 in excess of 150 letters were received.
	The earliest letter from an hon. Member concerning High Speed 2 to which my Department has not replied dates from 13 June 2011.

High Speed 1

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average seat occupancy rate of all passenger rail services on the High Speed 1 rail route was in the latest period for which figures are available.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold this information. However, the Office of Rail Regulation publishes timetabled train-km and passenger-km for train operating companies from National Rail Trends. This information can be found on their website, at:
	http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026
	The last period for which information is available is Q3 or Q4 2010-11 (different measures have different availability). This information was used to inform calculations on train utilisation made in the McNulty report. However, data from LCR were specifically excluded from the McNulty calculations and are not published. This information was used to inform calculations on train utilisation made in the McNulty study into rail value for money, copies of which can be found at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/realising-the-potential-of-gb-rail

Invalid Vehicles: Regulation

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 20 June 2011, Official Report, column 19W, on invalid vehicles: regulation, when he plans to announce the results of his Department's consultation on proposed changes to legislation governing powered mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Norman Baker: I will be publishing on the Department for Transport's website a summary of the responses to the consultation, along with a statement on the way forward, this summer. The Department's full response to the consultation will be published later this year.

Large Goods Vehicles: EU Action

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of any correspondence he has received from the European Commission on the subject of increased permitted lengths for semi-trailer HGVs since 1 June 2011.

Michael Penning: I am placing in the Libraries of the House a copy of a communication from the Commission dated 1 July 2011 which invites the United Kingdom to delay implementing any regulations permitting longer semi-trailers until 2 April 2012, as it is currently considering making its own proposals on masses and dimensions of heavy goods vehicles and trailers.

Network Rail: Allowances

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how much Network Rail spent on first class rail travel for staff in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11;
	(2)  how much Network Rail spent on first class air travel for staff in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11;
	(3)  how much was claimed in expenses by the chief executive of Network Rail in 2009-10; and what the category was of each such claim;
	(4)  how much Network Rail spent on entertaining in 2009-10.

Theresa Villiers: Network Rail is an independent, private sector company, so Government do not hold the information requested. I would suggest that the hon. Member writes to David Higgins, the chief executive of Network Rail, at the following address:
	David Higgins
	Chief Executive
	Network Rail
	King’s Place
	90 York Way
	London N1 9AG.

Network Rail: Repairs and Maintenance

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that Network Rail informs train operating companies of proposed rail line closures at least 12 weeks in advance.

Theresa Villiers: Network Rail has an obligation in its network licence to provide this information to train operators, in most cases no later than 12 weeks before the date on which rail engineering works (which affect the national timetable) take place. The network licence is enforced by the Office of Rail Regulation in accordance with its economic enforcement policy, which states that it will concentrate on serious or systemic issues.

Rail Regulation

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has considered the merits of merging Passenger Focus with the Office of Rail Regulation.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport considered the future of Passenger Focus as part of the public bodies review and concluded that it should be retained but with substantial reforms to reduce its cost to taxpayers while maintaining its core role as the statutory independent complaints body. The Department has not formally considered the merits of merging Passenger Focus with the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) and has no plans to take such a proposal forward.

Public Transport: Olympic Games 2012

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contingency plans are in place in case of strikes by transport workers during the London 2012 Olympics.

Theresa Villiers: Drawing on established well developed plans, transport operators are working in close collaboration on integrated contingency planning for the 2012 games for a wide range of possible scenarios, including industrial action. Each operator remains responsible for managing its own industrial relations.

Public Transport: Visual Impairment

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effects of his Department's Access for All programme in improving accessibility on public transport for visually impaired people.

Norman Baker: An independent research study into the benefits of the Access for All programme was carried out by Steer Davis Gleave Ltd in 2009 and early 2010.
	The study found that 65% of visually impaired passengers were satisfied with station facilities where Access for All work had been completed, compared to only 14% at stations not in the programme. In addition, almost half of visually impaired passengers said they had increased their use of Access for All stations as a result of the work.

Railways: Toilet Facilities

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requirements his Department places on constructors of rail carriages in respect of the relationship between journey times and toilet facilities.

Theresa Villiers: For procurements where the Department for Transport takes a lead (such as the IEP) requirements relating to these matters are set out in the Train Technical Specifications which are on the departmental website.
	In the cases where train operators procure rolling stock, it is a matter for them to define requirements which are likely to include journey time requirements and on board facilities such as toilets.

Railways: Birmingham

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the combined seat occupancy rate on passenger rail services on the main line (a) from London to Birmingham and (b) from Birmingham to London was in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold this information. However, the Office of Rail Regulation publishes timetabled train-km and passenger-km for train operating companies from National Rail Trends. This information can be found on their website, at:
	http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026
	The last period for which information is available is Q3 or Q4 2010-11 (different measures have different availability). This information was used to inform calculations on train utilisation made in the McNulty study into rail value for money, copies of which can be found at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/realising-the-potential-of-gb-rail

Railways: Brighton

Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye of 16 May 2011, ref AR/EOR/00391 on the division of revenue on the Brighton mainline.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 7 July 2011
	I replied to this letter on Thursday 7 July 2011.

Railways: Electrification

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to undertake any cost-benefit analysis of the electrification of the (a) Midland Main Line from Bedford North to Sheffield via Derby, (b) Sheffield to Doncaster line, (c) Manchester-Leeds-Colton junction line and (d) Northallerton to Middlesbrough line.

Theresa Villiers: Network Rail assessed these electrification schemes as part of its Electrification Network Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), published in October 2009. Network Rail is currently reviewing schemes assessed under its Electrification RUS as part of its input to the Initial Industry Plan (IIP) to be published in the autumn. The IIP will be used by Government to inform its High Level Output Specification expected in the summer of 2012.

Railways: Fares

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  pursuant to the oral statement of 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 520-22, on the McNulty Report and West Coast Rail, what the terms of reference are for his Department's review of rail fares policy;
	(2)  whether he plans to consult (a) businesses and (b) employers as part of his Department's review of rail fares policy.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 5 July 2011
	The fares review will be a first step towards a fairer and more effective system. In order to ensure that it addresses the right issues and is carried out effectively, Government are currently considering the terms of reference, scope and timetable for the review, including the appropriate form of consultation.

Railways: Fares

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the oral statement of 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 520-22, on the McNulty Report and West Coast Rail, what discussions he has had with business representatives on existing train ticketing structures; and what measures he proposes to encourage business use of the railway network.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 5 July 2011
	Ministers have regular discussions with business representatives on a range of issues.
	The Government wish to see a modern customer-focused approach to fares and ticketing structures. The forthcoming fares review will consider this, in line with the Government's vision for a rail system that supports a growing economy by improving capacity, connectivity, performance and productivity.

Railways: Fees and Charges

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Rail Penalty Fares Policy and Rules were last reviewed.

Theresa Villiers: The Penalty Fares Policy and Rules were last reviewed in 2009-10.

Railways: Fees and Charges

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of travellers on long-distance passenger rail services purchased (a) advance fares, (b) flexible tickets and (c) season tickets in the latest period for which figures are available.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold this information in the form requested.

Railways: Fees and Charges

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many types of rail ticket are offered by train operating companies.

Theresa Villiers: There are five ticket types available: Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime, Season, and Rovers and Rangers. Details of all these tickets types can be found here:
	http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_types/

Rescue Services: Scotland

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on the future of coastguard stations in Scotland; and what response he has made.

Michael Penning: The recent consultation on the modernisation of the coastguard prompted many responses. I continue to receive correspondence from the public and other interested parties about our plans for coastguard co-ordination centres in Scotland.
	We expect to make an announcement about the way forward before the House rises for summer recess on 19 July.

Rescue Services: Sunderland

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of safety levels in waters off the port of Sunderland following the implementation of planned coastguard centre closures.

Michael Penning: No specific assessment of the waters off the port of Sunderland was made in the development of the proposals to modernise HM Coastguard that was published on 16 December 2010.
	The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has assessed the risks nationally associated in relation to the coastguard's current operation and how those risks are. mitigated by the modernisation proposals. On 11 February, the MCA published a suite of documents that provide a broad outline of the consideration of impact and risk in respect of the proposals. These documents are available on the MCA's website at:
	www.dft.gov.uk/mca

River Thames: Bridges

Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the construction of a new Thames river crossing east of Blackwall to relieve traffic on the Dartford to Thurrock crossing.

Michael Penning: The Department for Transport published a report in April 2009 on the current and future capacity requirements at the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing.
	The Department made clear in its spending review announcement that it would embark on a review of the options for future capacity in the Lower Thames. The Department is in the process of programming this work.
	Following that review, which is expected to take around 12 to 18 months to complete, the Department's intention, as part of the statutory process, would be to publicly consult on the merits of the potential options.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with National Grid on the effect on road congestion of the over-running of street works.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport holds regular discussions with the industry body the National Joint Utilities Group, of which the National Grid is a member. These discussions cover a wide range of matters, including over-running street works and the resulting impacts on congestion.

Rolling Stock: Procurement

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 28 April 2011, Official Report, column 545W, on railways: rolling stock, what additional capacity the new carriages will create (a) in total, (b) for each rail franchise and (c) for each new rail project.

Theresa Villiers: The information requested is in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of new vehicles in daily service Capacity (seats) 
			 Thameslink 1,200 174,000 
			 Intercity Express Programme: Greater Western (1)314 21,980 
			 Intercity Express Programme: East Coast (1)230 16,100 
			 Crossrail (1)570 85,500 
			 West Coast 106 7,420 
			 National Express East Anglia 120 8,400 
			 London Midland 69 4,830 
			 Chiltern 8 560 
			 Transpennine Express 36 2,520 
			 (1) Excludes fleet spares

Street Wardens

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to facilitate the introduction of generic street wardens as specified in the provisions of the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.

Norman Baker: holding answer 23 June 2011
	In the absence of a robust case for change, we have no current plans to amend either the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or our operational guidance relating to the limitations of civil enforcement officer duties. We will of course consider proposals for change if there is a well argued case to do so.

Thameslink: Contracts

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the number of jobs which (a) will be created in the UK as a result of the award of the Thameslink contract to an overseas consortium and (b) would have been created in the UK if the contract had been awarded to Bombardier Aerospace in Derby.

Theresa Villiers: The staffing level required to fulfil the terms of the Thameslink rolling stock contract is a matter for the train manufacturer and maintainer (TMM) to decide. Siemens Plc with Cross London Trains, the nominated preferred bidder, have stated that work on the Thameslink rolling stock contract could create up to 2,000 new jobs in the UK, including jobs in train component manufacturing, depot construction and train maintenance.

Thameslink: Rolling Stock

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the procurement contract for the Thameslink rolling stock contract was first tendered.

Theresa Villiers: The Thameslink rolling stock invitation to tender was issued on 27 November 2008.

Thameslink: Rolling Stock

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 June 2011, Official Report, columns 85-86WS, on Thameslink Rolling Stock, when the train maintenance contract for the rolling stock will transfer from First Capital Connect to Siemens.

Theresa Villiers: Assuming successful completion of contractual negotiations, Siemens will be responsible for the maintenance of the new trains when they enter service, commencing in 2015.

Thameslink: Rolling Stock

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 June 2011, Official Report, columns 85-86WS, on Thameslink Rolling Stock, if the Siemens plc bid specified whether train maintenance for the new Thameslink rolling stock will be undertaken primarily by (a) existing staff or (b) newly recruited staff.

Theresa Villiers: The Siemens plc bid identifies the staff required for the maintenance of the new Thameslink rolling stock, and recognises that the posts may be filled by either existing First Capital Connect staff or by newly recruited staff, and that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations may be relevant to existing First Capital Connect staff.

Transport: Carbon Emissions

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were produced by (a) aviation flights and (b) rail services in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: The carbon dioxide emissions for railways, domestic aviation and international aviation in each of the last five years for which data are available are given in the following table:
	
		
			 Carbon dioxide 
			 Million tonnes 
			  2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 
			 Railways 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 
			 Domestic aviation 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2 1.9 
			 International aviation 35.1 35.6 35.4 34.2 32.7 
			 Source: National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory.